Magic and Witchcraft

Tradition, Faith, and Superstition

Dharmpal Singla
Journalist, Punjab Times
Shahna Bhadaur
Mobile: 98724-77637

Magic and witchcraft generally mean the use of magical skills and abilities, or believing in them, which can be done by individuals, special social groups, or people who possess secret mystical knowledge. Magic and witchcraft are a complicated concept, so it is difficult to give one exact definition of it. Its use should be understood wisely. Sometimes it plays a religious, divine, or medical role. It is usually found in societies whose cultural structure includes a magical view of the world. Although magic and witchcraft may be connected with similar ideas such as magic spells, charms, superstition, black magic, ghost science, nature worship, and spiritualism, it is viewed separately from the others by humans and scientists.

Magic and witchcraft were created in opposition to nature. It was believed that some invisible power was controlling this world. To control it, humans started taking the support of magic and witchcraft. In this way, it made an important contribution in the movement from nature to culture. Its beginning happened from the desire to control nature. In the early period, nature itself produced food materials for human survival and sometimes also became an enemy of human life. Because of this, humans started trying to control it. Therefore, they started worshipping it. Nature is considered the basis of mantra theory because every object has its own sound.

Even though religion originated against magic, hypocrisy, and superstition, the existence of magic and witchcraft can still be seen in the formation of religion. Magic is used to solve a problem or to get rid of an enemy. When a person obtains something through rituals and with the support of divine power, it is called magic and witchcraft. In Punjabi culture too, magic and witchcraft hold an important place. These practices have been flowing continuously in our culture from generation to generation. Witchcraft is also used for good results, such as controlling supernatural powers through chanting mantras.

After religion comes the second stage of magic and witchcraft. When humans did not get their desired results through religious rituals, they started taking the support of magic and witchcraft. Religion and magic are also connected in the sense that saints, pirs, fakirs, and holy men are believed to have control over natural powers.

Black magic is when a person harms another person through magical methods for personal benefit. White magic is used for the welfare of the community. Apart from this, there are other forms of magic and witchcraft. For example, a woman who cannot have a child is bathed under a fruit-bearing tree under the guidance of a wise person. For curing diseases or boils, threads, amulets, and rituals are used. Threads and amulets are used to remove illness. A talisman contains a magical diagram. Eleven is considered an auspicious number. To destroy an enemy, the auspicious number is 76. The unlucky and disease symbol number is 13. To remove illness, seven balls of ash are made in a broken clay pot and needles are inserted into them. In the same pot, seven chilies, mixed grains, an iron nail, a small black cloth, and other items are touched seven times over the sick person’s head and then placed at a crossroads. By doing this, it is said that the illness of the sick person will go away. To remove the shadow of ghosts and spirits, a bottle of liquor, a black rooster, seven sweets, mixed grains, clothes, etc., are placed at a crossroads after bathing. Many stories and history, but a village in Assam is called the capital of black magic in India. This village is especially famous for black magic. The name of this village is Mayong, which is situated only 40 kilometers away from Guwahati, the capital of Assam. People say that even every child there knows black magic. Mayong village is most famous for black magic. It is believed that the people there use it for their protection. It is said that the people of this village know many magical practices, such as turning humans into animals and making people disappear into the air through magical powers. According to information, the history of this village is connected with the Mahabharata. It is said that Ghatotkach learned many magical powers from Mayong before participating in the Mahabharata war. The name Mayong is also connected with a Sanskrit word which means illusion. The people of Mayong also use this magic to heal people. When magic is used to heal others, it is called good magic. When it is used to harm others, it is called black magic. About the black magic of Mayong village, it is said that even the British were afraid of coming there. Everyone in this village feared the power of black magic. That is why, apart from the British, even during the Mughal period people were afraid of entering this village. Even today, ordinary people do not go there. I used to go for a walk at 3:30 in the morning. Near Gill Kothe village, a ghost was following me. I felt that someone was following me. It pushed me strongly and I fell down. Then it seemed to notice the light of an approaching vehicle and it ran away. Then I also quickly got up and started running. Another similar incident happened in the market of Shahna. When a performer started showing tricks, a resident of Shahna named Jagat Ram, who also knew the art of magic, was there. It is worth mentioning that when a performer in Shahna market started playing a flute, Jagat Ram stopped the flute with his magical art. Then the performer took out a knife and struck the flute, and the flute started playing again. Jagat Ram became angry. He again stopped the flute. Then the performer again struck the flute with the knife, but the flute did not play. Then he tied the flute with a black thread and again struck it with the knife, and the flute started playing. After that, both of them started fighting a battle of magic and witchcraft, but people separated them. According to Hindu religion, there is a Lakshman Jhula built on the Ganga river. In a room there, a Red Book is kept. Many astrologers say that they have the knowledge of the Red Book. If anyone wants to get any work done, then meet us.