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Walk on fire to celebrate Phulkundi, Jhulan
by Girija Shankar Ojha

     Ranchi: Believe it or not but in a bizarre ritual, tribals in Ranchi walk on embers and hang their bodies with hooks on bamboo poles in the name of cherishing the 'sanctity' of age old traditions. Traditions like "Jhulan" or, hanging a man with the help of an iron hook and "Phulkundi" or, walking on fire bare foot are the latest examples of the superstition prevailing among tribal communities in Ranchi and Singhbum districts of Jharkhand. After taking bath in the pond, people walk barefoot on a narrow lane where burning coal is placed. The lane is specially arranged for the festival. In addition to that a person's back is pierced with two iron hooks and he is then hanged on a swing to please god. The frightening ritual is performed on the occasion of 'Baisakh Sankranti'. The tribals feel that by complying with the centuries old rituals they ensure the blessing of their local deities for their children and families. "We are following an old tradition. We pray and all our wishes come true. As part of our tradition, we pierce the back of a man and hang him on a swing. The man who is hung does not feel any pain and he becomes normal after few days", said Ganapati, traditional head and village landlord. "Landlords of this village have started this practice. This is our main festival and we have full faith in it," said Anirudh Mishra, a priest. "Jhulan" indicates how some barbaric practices have failed to die down in tribal pockets in Ranchi despite people around the country getting drawn to adapt modern lifestyle for development and prosperity.
-April 16, 2006