The Role of Ojhas in Combating Witchcraft

Witchcraft is considered an undetectable activity by conventional means, requiring divination for its discovery. Individuals with special powers, acting as mediums for spirits, are believed to reveal such actions. Witches are thought to cause diseases, bring sickness, and death, while their evil powers need to be controlled.

Medicine men, or ojhas, are believed to be the only ones capable of removing diseases caused by witches. They are experts in magic, charms, and divination, responsible for exposing witches and clearing areas of witchcraft. Ojhas possess the knowledge to perceive witchcraft and drive it away, often removing objects placed by witches to cause harm.

Among the Bodo people, witchcraft or black magic is believed to be used out of jealousy or revenge. Witches use magico-religious items, including personal effects like nails, hair, and clothing, placed near a person's home to inflict harm. Affected individuals seek the help of an ojha, who can locate these harmful placements and negate their effects.