Nepal, a land of towering Himalayan peaks, lush valleys, and vibrant ethnic diversity, is also a repository of ancient spiritual traditions. Among these, shamanism stands out as one of the most enduring and culturally significant practices. Shamanism in Nepal is not merely a set of rituals or healing techniques—it is a comprehensive worldview that interweaves spirituality, nature, community, and personal transformation. At its core, shamanism revolves around the belief that the physical world is deeply connected to the spiritual realm, and that certain individuals, called Dhami or Jhankri, are chosen to mediate between these realms for the benefit of their communities.

Nepali shamanism is particularly prominent among indigenous communities such as the Tamang, Gurung, Rai, Limbu, Magar, and Sherpa. Each community has its unique variation of shamanic practices, yet all share common elements: reverence for nature, ancestral worship, trance rituals, and spiritual healing. Shamans act as healers, diviners, ritual specialists, and spiritual counselors, guiding individuals and communities through health crises, social conflicts, and spiritual dilemmas. Their authority is not derived from formal education but from spiritual calling and experiential knowledge passed down through generations.

Historically, shamanism in Nepal has roots in the Bon tradition, which predates the spread of Hinduism and Buddhism in the region. Over time, these practices have evolved, blending indigenous animistic beliefs with Tibetan Buddhist and Hindu influences while retaining their essence—communication with spirits, protection of communities, and maintaining harmony between humans and nature.

Shamanic practices are often community-centric, encompassing life-cycle ceremonies, seasonal rituals, healing sessions, and protective rites. Instruments like drums, bells, and ritual masks, along with chants and offerings, are central tools that help shamans enter trance states, communicate with spirits, and perform healing rituals. The spiritual calling, usually marked by dreams, visions, or unexplained illnesses, identifies who among the community will become a shaman, ensuring the continuity of this sacred tradition.

In contemporary Nepal, shamanism continues to thrive, particularly in rural and indigenous areas, despite the pressures of modernization and urbanization. It represents a living heritage that preserves Nepal’s cultural identity, spiritual diversity, and ecological consciousness. By understanding shamanism, one gains insight not only into the spiritual life of Nepali communities but also into their profound respect for nature, ancestors, and the unseen forces that shape human existence.

Historical Roots of Nepali Shamanism

Shamanism in Nepal is one of the oldest spiritual traditions in the Himalayan region, predating both Hinduism and Buddhism. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient Bon religion, which was practiced in Tibet and neighboring Himalayan regions long before organized religions took hold. Bon emphasized harmony with nature, ancestor worship, and the use of rituals to maintain balance between the human and spiritual realms. Many indigenous communities in Nepal, including the Tamang, Gurung, Rai, and Limbu, adopted and adapted Bon practices to form their unique shamanic traditions.

Historically, shamans, known as Dhami or Jhankri, emerged as community healers, spiritual mediators, and ritual leaders. They acted as intermediaries between humans and the spirit world, addressing illnesses, misfortunes, and communal crises. The knowledge of healing herbs, ritual chants, and trance induction was passed orally from one generation to the next, preserving both spiritual and medicinal wisdom.

Nepali shamanism also shows evidence of cultural syncretism. With the spread of Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism into the region, shamanic practices integrated elements of these religions without losing their core animistic and nature-centered worldview. Rituals began to include Buddhist mantras, Hindu deities, and symbolic representations, yet shamans continued to serve as custodians of ancestral spirits, local deities, and natural forces.

Over centuries, shamanism became deeply intertwined with the social and cultural life of Nepalese communities. Festivals, healing rituals, and life-cycle ceremonies reinforced both spiritual beliefs and community cohesion. Despite modern influences, the historical roots of Nepali shamanism remain vibrant, reflecting an enduring connection between the people, their ancestors, and the natural and spiritual worlds around them.

The Role of Dhami and Jhankri

In Nepali shamanism, the terms ‘Dhami’ and ‘Jhankri’ are often used interchangeably to refer to shamans. These individuals are believed to possess the ability to enter trance states and communicate with spirits, deities, and ancestors. Their roles encompass:

• Healing: Addressing physical and psychological ailments through spiritual means.

• Divination: Providing insights into personal or communal issues by interpreting signs and messages from the spirit world.

• Ritual Leadership: Conducting ceremonies to honor deities, spirits, and ancestors, ensuring the community’s spiritual well-being.

The Dhami Initiation Process

Becoming a Dhami is not merely a choice; it is often a spiritual calling. The initiation process, known as ‘Avatarilo,’ typically unfolds as follows:

1. Spiritual Calling: The prospective Dhami experiences signs such as dreams, visions, or unexplained illnesses, indicating a summons from the spirit world.

2. Training: Under the guidance of an experienced Dhami, the initiate learns sacred chants, rituals, and the use of ritual objects like drums and bells.

3. Trance Induction: Through rhythmic drumming, chanting, and meditation, the initiate learns to enter trance states, allowing them to communicate with spirits.

4. Community Recognition: Upon successful initiation, the individual is recognized by the community as a Dhami, entrusted with the responsibility of spiritual leadership.

Spiritual Calling and Its Significance in Nepali Shamanism

In Nepali shamanism, the concept of a spiritual calling, often referred to as “Aagman” or “calling of the spirits,” is a central pillar in the life of a Dhami or Jhankri. Unlike conventional professions or vocations, becoming a shaman is not typically a matter of personal choice. Instead, it is widely believed that the spirits themselves select the individual to undertake this sacred responsibility. This selection process signifies a deep, predestined connection between the shaman and the spirit world, highlighting the divine nature of their role in the community. Those chosen are often from a young age, although the calling can manifest later in life, sometimes unexpectedly.

Physical Symptoms as Signs of Calling

One of the most tangible indicators of a spiritual calling is the appearance of physical symptoms that cannot be explained or cured by modern medicine. Prospective shamans may experience frequent illnesses, sudden fevers, chronic pain, or fatigue, which traditional healers cannot treat effectively. In many cases, these ailments are viewed as spiritual disruptions—manifestations of ancestral spirits, deities, or nature entities signaling the individual’s destiny to become a Dhami. Families and community members often interpret these symptoms as sacred signs, encouraging the person to embrace their spiritual path.

Dreams and Visions

Another profound marker of spiritual calling comes in the form of dreams and visions. Individuals may see deities, ancestors, or mystical landscapes during sleep or meditation. These encounters are not considered mere imagination but divine communication. Such visions often contain symbolic messages that foreshadow the prospective shaman’s future responsibilities, offering guidance on rituals, healing methods, or community leadership. In some cases, repeated dreams or night-time visitations intensify the spiritual pull, compelling the individual to seek guidance from an established Dhami for initiation.

Psychic Experiences and Intuitive Insights

Beyond physical and visionary signs, spiritual calling frequently manifests as psychic experiences or bursts of intuitive knowledge. This can include sudden insights into solving personal or communal problems, inexplicable awareness of others’ ailments, or an innate understanding of rituals and chants. Such experiences reinforce the belief that the individual has been chosen by the spirits and possesses the latent abilities necessary for healing, divination, and spiritual leadership. Over time, these psychic experiences strengthen the connection between the Dhami and the unseen realms, forming the foundation for trance-induced communication with spirits.

Cultural and Social Significance

The spiritual calling is not only a personal phenomenon but also a communal and cultural event. Once the calling becomes evident, families and communities recognize the individual’s role as a mediator between the physical and spiritual worlds. Acceptance of this calling ensures that traditional rituals, healing practices, and cultural knowledge are preserved and passed down through generations. The sacred nature of the Dhami’s role also commands respect and trust, making the shaman an essential figure in maintaining social harmony, resolving conflicts, and addressing spiritual crises within the community.

Integration into Daily Life

For the individual, accepting the spiritual calling transforms everyday life. It requires dedication to learning rituals, chants, herbal medicine, and trance techniques. The calling shapes personal identity, moral conduct, and community responsibilities. While it often demands sacrifice—such as a departure from ordinary social ambitions—it simultaneously grants the shaman a revered status, connecting them deeply with ancestral and natural forces. This intimate relationship with the spiritual realm underlines the sacred responsibility inherent in Nepali shamanism.

The Tamang Community and Bon Shamanism

The Tamang people are one of Nepal’s largest indigenous groups, residing predominantly in the central hilly regions, such as the areas around Helambu, Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and northern Kathmandu Valley. Their culture is closely tied to nature, spirituality, and shamanic practices, which have been preserved over centuries. A central element of their spiritual life is Bon Shamanism, a pre-Buddhist spiritual tradition that emphasizes harmony with nature, ancestral reverence, and healing through spiritual means.

1. Nature Reverence

Tamang Bon Shamanism is fundamentally animistic, meaning that every element of nature is believed to possess a spirit or divine essence. This includes:

• Mountains and Rivers: Sacred mountains are considered abodes of deities, while rivers are viewed as living entities that provide life and purity. For instance, the Trishuli and Bhote Koshi rivers are integral to local rituals.

• Forests and Trees: Certain trees are worshipped as dwelling places of spirits. Cutting these trees without rituals is taboo as it may anger the spirits.

• Animals: Animals are respected as spiritual messengers or companions to the shamans. Killing or harming certain animals without offerings is considered spiritually harmful.

• Ritual Offerings to Nature: Daily practices often involve offerings of food, incense, or butter lamps at sacred groves, riversides, and household altars to maintain harmony with nature.

This reverence is not only spiritual but also ecologically sustainable, as the Tamang’s traditional practices contribute to environmental conservation.

2. Ancestor Worship

Ancestor worship is a core aspect of Tamang Bon Shamanism. The Tamang believe that deceased family members continue to influence the living, providing guidance, protection, or sometimes causing misfortune if not properly honored. Practices include:

• Rituals at Home and Community Level: Families maintain shrines or sacred spaces for ancestral spirits. During important ceremonies, offerings of rice, alcohol (locally fermented millet or barley drinks), and meat are made.

• Death Rituals (Ghewa): Upon a family member’s death, a series of ceremonies called Ghewa are performed to guide the soul to the afterlife. Shamans play a key role in this process, communicating with the spirit to ensure its peaceful journey.

• Seasonal Festivals: Certain festivals, such as Lhosar (Tamang New Year), include rituals that honor ancestors, seeking their blessings for the coming year.

• Community Consultation: In cases of illness, misfortune, or disputes, shamans consult ancestral spirits to identify causes and remedies, reinforcing the link between the living and the deceased.

Ancestor worship ensures social cohesion within the Tamang community and maintains spiritual continuity across generations.

3. Healing Practices

Healing is perhaps the most visible aspect of Tamang Bon Shamanism. Dhami and Jhankri (shamans) employ a combination of herbal remedies, spiritual rituals, and trance-induced states to treat ailments.

a) Herbal Remedies

• Shamans possess extensive knowledge of medicinal plants and herbs, gathered from the surrounding forests and mountains.

• Remedies may involve teas, powders, or poultices, often combined with ritual chants to enhance efficacy.

• Commonly treated issues include fever, digestive disorders, joint pains, and spiritual afflictions caused by spirits or ancestral unrest.

b) Spiritual Rituals

• Rituals often involve drumming, chanting, and offering prayers to deities and spirits.

• Offerings like butter lamps, rice, and incense are used to appease spirits that may be causing illness or misfortune.

• Certain ceremonies involve animal sacrifices, symbolic offerings, or the burning of sacred substances (like juniper) to cleanse negative energies.

c) Trance and Spirit Possession

• Shamans enter trance states through rhythmic drumming and chanting, allowing them to communicate directly with spirits.

• In these states, shamans may identify the cause of a patient’s illness, retrieve lost souls, or negotiate with spirits on behalf of the afflicted.

• Community members often regard these trance sessions as deeply transformative and spiritually powerful.

d) Integration of Bon and Buddhist Practices

• Although Bon is pre-Buddhist, Tamang shamanism today often integrates Tibetan Buddhist elements.

• Mantras, thangkas (religious paintings), and ritual instruments are sometimes incorporated into healing ceremonies.

• This fusion allows Tamang shamanism to remain culturally relevant while preserving its ancestral roots.

4. Cultural and Social Significance

Tamang Bon Shamanism is not only a spiritual practice but also a cultural cornerstone:

• Identity Preservation: Shamanism helps maintain Tamang identity amidst modernization and external cultural influences.

• Conflict Resolution: Shamans often mediate disputes within the community by invoking spiritual authority.

• Festivals and Social Gatherings: Rituals like Chhechu, Shyade ceremonies, and funerary rites reinforce social bonds.

• Environmental Stewardship: Through reverence for nature, the Tamang help preserve local ecosystems and biodiversity.

5. Modern Challenges

Despite its cultural importance, Tamang Bon Shamanism faces several modern challenges:

• Urbanization and Migration: Younger generations moving to cities often lose connection with traditional practices.

• Medical Alternatives: Increasing reliance on modern medicine reduces demand for traditional healing.

• Cultural Misunderstanding: Outsiders sometimes misinterpret shamanic practices as superstition, leading to societal marginalization.

Efforts are ongoing to document, preserve, and educate both Tamang youth and the global community about this unique spiritual heritage.

Rituals and Ceremonies in Tamang Shamanism

Tamang shamanic rituals are elaborate and community-centric. Notable ceremonies include:

• Chhechu: A ten-day festival involving theatrical performances (tsema), exorcisms, and communal feasts. It serves to cleanse the community of negative energies and reinforce social bonds.

• Shyade: A traditional woolen cap worn during religious and cultural ceremonies, symbolizing spiritual identity and community belonging.

• Ghewa: A death feast ritual that honors the deceased, facilitates their journey to the afterlife, and provides closure to the bereaved.

These rituals are not mere traditions; they are vital expressions of the Tamang people’s worldview and spiritual beliefs.

 The Role of the Dangri

In many shamanic practices, especially among the Tamang, the Dangri serves as an intermediary between the Dhami and the spirit world. The Dangri’s responsibilities include:

• Assisting in Trance States: Helping the Dhami enter and maintain trance states during rituals.

• Interpreting Messages: Conveying the information received from spirits to the community.

• Ritual Facilitation: Ensuring that ceremonies are conducted correctly and effectively.

The Dangri’s role is crucial in maintaining the integrity and efficacy of shamanic practices.

Challenges and Preservation of Shamanic Traditions

Despite their deep cultural roots, shamanic traditions in Nepal face numerous challenges:

• Modernization: The rise of modern medicine and technology has led to a decline in traditional practices.

• Cultural Erosion: Younger generations are increasingly moving away from indigenous beliefs and practices.

• Legal Restrictions: In some areas, shamanic practices are viewed with suspicion or outright banned.

Efforts to preserve these traditions include:

• Cultural Immersion Programs: Initiatives that allow outsiders to experience and learn about shamanic practices firsthand.

• Documentation and Research: Academic studies and publications that record and analyze shamanic traditions.

• Community Engagement: Encouraging younger generations to participate in rituals and ceremonies to ensure continuity.

If you are interested in becoming a Shaman (Dhami/Jhankri), please contact us on WhatsApp: Number: +9779866551703