This reminds me of a childhood visit to a dargah (Mira Datar Dargah in a nondescript location near Reay Road in Mumbai). As soon as I entered the premises, I was greeted by a lady summersaulting and landing inches from my feet!!! She proceeded with her summersaults nonchalantly. There were people talking to themselves, some hitting themselves. There were people chained to poles!!! There was a saint singing Sufi rhymes (it was extremely beautiful to hear) just outside. And there were normal folks just going about their visit. There was clearly a lot going on lol.
These people that were chained were apparently being treated for possession of djinns and their ilk. 😲
My logical explanation would be they were either insane or deserted by their families.
Though I must mention I felt a lot of serenity in the sanctum sanctorum, and in general by the visit. One of the reasons I like the Kun Faya Kun song is that it reminds me of this dargah.
Wow that must have thrown you off ,so to speak. I've witnessed people doing stunts they couldn't have possibly learned or practised so it's hard for me to dismiss the possession thing completely. Like frail domesticated women overpowering huge men.
It's sad that there were people in chains. Yeah most likely abandoned by their families. A lot of the people who 'perform' at such places don't get the love or care they deserve from their families so they're glad to have an outlet even if they end up looking ridiculous. And oddly enough , among certain people ..it's more acceptable /respectable to claim you're possessed by demons or ghosts than to admit you have a mental health issue or a mild personality disorder. It can be externalised so there's no stigma . There are women in my neighbourhood who've had these kinds of fits during this Pooja or that,they carry on just fine. But if they so much as admit that they suffer depression or have adhd that would be it for them.
Love that song @ Kun faya kun.
Indian Idol 15
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