Shamanism in Hunza

Hunza has been famous for its practices in Shamanism. Shaman in the local language (Burushaski) are referred as 'Bitan'. Shamanism in the area has been linked to its dynamic history.^[1]

Bitan

Bitan is the Burushaski (language of Hunza) equalent of Shaman. Bitans are not like the Eurasian Shmans, as the Eurasian Shamans have some special physical qualities like extra teeth, a sixth finger, or other physical signs. Bitans are normal beings who are selected by the Pari (the fairy, plural pariting).

Pariting descends to the earth during the cherry and apricot blossom seasons. Pariting choose the Bitan from new borns by smelling their noses and mouths. It is not apparent who is a Bitan during the childhood. Bitans grow distinct characteristics when they reach teenage. These characteristics includes becoming unconscious, going into a state of ecstasy, or sickness for days or sometimes weeks. A Bitan may die if he (his spirit) resists to be one during the period when the shamanists characteristics start to appear.

Bitans have craving for music (a special tune/composition), on listening to such music they can go into a state of trance where they meet with the pari. Bitans dance to the music during festivals like Ginani (crop harvesting festival). During the dance, Bitans also foretell the next years crop production.

Shamanic Practices

Shamans or the Bitans are believed to have foresight. This foresight is a result of Bitan's interactions with the spirits. These spirits are fairies, pari (plural pariting) as called in the local language. The paris' tell the bitans about the future when they are in an ecstatic/trance state. Thus they foretell the future.^[2]

The Ritual

The ritual to get the Bitan into the shamanistic or the ecstatic state, need music, smoke and blood of goat. Music is played by the musicians (Bericho). The orchestra has three instruments, namely Dadang (Drum), Daamal (Two hemi-spherical drums) and Surnai (Shenai) or Gabi (local variant of Reed Pipe). For the smoke juniper leaves and Syrian rue (local name Supandur) are put on fire. For blood the Bitan drinks it from the recently chopped head of a goat (Chato).

Bitan starts to dance to the music. While dancing Bitan inhales the smoke of juniper leaves simultaneously. Then drinking the blood from Chato. Bitan gets into a higher state as he continues to dance to the music. Reaching the state the Bitan starts to speak in Shina (language of Gilgit). Bitan converses/argues/ask the pari regarding the concern he has. During the process Bitan may pass out. Bitan can go to such state for at most two or three times before he passes out.^[2]

History

Historians like M.H Sidky, have done extensive research on the topic of Shamanism. Sidky had published a paper on Shamanism in Hunza. Where the author had mentioned the famous Bitans (shamans) of the area, including Huk Mamu and Shon Gakur.^[3]

Bitans of Hunza used to tell future by doing the shamanic practices. Bitans were summoned by the Thum/Mir to predict any calamity, famine or any disaster expected in near future.

References