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VOL. 8, ISSUE 6 (2022)
The role of rituals and spiritual healing in The Baiga Tribe’s health practices: An ethnographic analysis
Authors
Sadhna Verma
Abstract
The Baiga tribe, a forest-dwelling indigenous
community in central India, maintains rich traditions of health practices that
integrate ritual, spirituality, and herbal medicine. Unlike conventional
biomedical approaches, the Baiga conceptualize illness as a disruption of
harmony among physical, social, and spiritual dimensions. Shamans, or spiritual
healers, play a central role in diagnosing, preventing, and treating illnesses
through ritualized ceremonies, chants, and herbal remedies. This paper explores
the complex interplay between rituals and spiritual healing in the Baiga tribe,
highlighting the social, psychological, and therapeutic significance of these
practices. Ethnographic accounts, case studies, and literature review reveal
that rituals serve diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic functions while
reinforcing communal bonds and cultural identity. The paper also discusses the
implications of integrating indigenous practices into modern public health
frameworks, addressing challenges such as cultural erosion, modernization, and
ethical concerns. Recognizing the value of Baiga rituals offers insights into
culturally sensitive healthcare and the preservation of indigenous knowledge.
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Pages:185-187
How to cite this article:
Sadhna Verma "The role of rituals and spiritual healing in The Baiga Tribe’s health practices: An ethnographic analysis". International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research, Vol 8, Issue 6, 2022, Pages 185-187
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