Ghost Festival begins in Kamala River

Janakpurdham:  Ghost Festival (Bhoot Mela) has begun in the Kamala river.

It is observed on the full moon day of the month of Kartik(October/November). The festival is practiced to control the influence of ghosts and witches. But the origin of this festival is still not clear.

Devotees chant their ‘Kuldevta’ own God names along with Dhami Jhakri( witch doctors) playing Mirdang( Madal), Jhyali, Dhol, and Pipahi on other musical instruments in the Kamala river. People believe that Shamans(Dhami, Jhakri) would help them to cure their illnesses and protect them from evil eyes in their surroundings.

Thousands of people from Dhanusha, Siraha, Saptari, Mahottari, Udayapur, and from India’s border Madhuban, Darbhanga, Samastipur, and Jayanagar to observe the festival. It is believed that tantric education concludes after having a bath in the Kamala river.