Mysteries of Shamanism: Exploring the Traditional Practices in Nepal

Mysteries of Shamanism: Exploring the Traditional Practices in Nepal

In 2016, while working as a fixer for a documentary on the devastating earthquake in Nepal, I had the chance to visit some hilly areas of the eastern region, including Dharan, Dhankuta, and Bhojpur. The documentary aimed to assess the earthquake’s impact on rural schools and primary education. The situation was worse than we imagined, with constant threats of aftershocks. Experiencing earthquakes in the mountains is terrifying due to the strange sounds and the ever-present danger of falling rocks. During our filming, we encountered many families, focusing on teachers and students. Surprisingly, many were seeking treatment from local Shamans instead of hospitals, even for serious internal injuries.

This unexpected reliance on Shamans piqued the interest of our international filming team. Despite the advances in modern medicine, the locals’ faith in traditional healers was unwavering. As filming continued, we visited a house in Dhankuta with a long queue of people. The curiosity led the documentary director and me to explore further. Initially hesitant, the locals eventually revealed they were there to see an elderly Tamang Shaman, renowned for his healing abilities. The stories of his treatments fascinated our entire crew, highlighting a significant cultural contrast.

People traveled for days to see the Shaman, often carrying patients on their backs from remote villages. This dedication to traditional healing was a stark reality for our team, especially those from abroad. Our director was eager to film the Shaman’s processions, but gaining permission was challenging. The proceedings had already started, and only the Shaman could grant access. Despite our efforts, we couldn’t meet him during the busy day. By the time the event ended, the Shaman observed a night of silence, preventing any interaction.

The next morning, we briefly met the Shaman, who was open to filming, but the next procession was on the full moon. With filming commitments elsewhere, we couldn’t stay. We hoped to revisit this topic in a future project. As we continued filming in other villages, we found similar stories of traditional healers, each with their own territories and success stories. These accounts, along with the stunning Rhododendron views, became highlights of the project.

Shamanism in Nepal is a captivating tradition, deeply rooted in history and still prevalent in mountain regions. While there are both positive and negative stories, the trust in these ancient practices over modern medicine is evident. Shamans, revered as spiritual guides and healers, play a crucial role in their communities. This experience left a lasting impression, and I look forward to exploring and filming these practices in greater detail in the future.

About Rays Films

Rays Films offers expert film fixing, production, film crew, and equipment services in Nepal. With extensive local knowledge and international experience, we ensure your project runs smoothly, capturing the unique and diverse stories of this beautiful country. Whether it’s documentaries, feature films, or commercial projects, our team is dedicated to providing exceptional service and support for your film making needs.