Historic Conference on Traditional Healers (Jhakri Samellan) in East Rukum

CIPRED takes pride to be part of the conference to make it a historical Jhakri conference in the presence of traditional shamans (Jhakri), community leaders, local governments, youth, and women in Taka-10, Puttha Uttarganga, East Rukum District, today. 

The conference was inaugurated by Mr. Puniraj Gharti Magar, Chairperson of Puttha Uttarganga Rural Municipality.

During the conference, Dr. Pasang Dolma Sherpa emphasized the need for Indigenous-led research, documentation, and publications on the crucial roles and contributions of Indigenous traditional healers such as Jhakri, who have not only spiritual powers but also in-depth knowledge of medicinal plants and charismatic skills in healing the needy patients. CIPRED hopes the ongoing study on traditional women healers will bring more opportunities to bring the outcome of the study as part of academic and non-academic discourse as well as provide legal recognition of traditional healers. 

During the conference, the Jhakri  performed their shamanic rituals to protect and heal the community and earth, as well as reciting their spiritual teachings through songs and dances for intergenerational knowledge transfer to the junior jhakris. 

The conference concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Sabina Budha Magar, Vice Chairperson of Bhume Rural Municipality, with thanks to CIPRED collaboration on this historical event and keep her continued efforts for the protection and support to Jhakri with legal recognition by the local laws.