Jharkhand's 'bhoot mela' is superstition practiced in faith's disguise

During the 'Navratri' festivities, fairs are organised across the country and people partake in them with much zeal.

But there is a fair held in Jharkhand which is nothing like the traditional fair which is all about food stalls, rides, glitter and fun.

This fair, celebrated every Navratri at Haidernagar Devi Dhaam in Jharkhand's Palamu district, is the 'bhoot mela' or the 'ghost fair'.

Devotees from Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and other states flock to the site in large numbers to offer their prayers and above all, they visit the place for exorcism.

Occultist or 'tantriks' are present here in significant numbers performing exorcism and the business of superstition continues under the guise of faith.

The tantriks' claim that they can mend things through their brand of magic.

Where on one hand, every year reports of murders over superstitions are being filed in Jharkhand, on the other hand, the 'bhoot mela' is being organised every year, that too brazenly.