Jhakri is the common name used for shamans in Sikkim and Darjeeling, India. They exist in the Limbu, Khambu, Sunuwar, Sherpa, Kami, Tamang, Gurung and Lepcha communities.[1] Belief in spirits is prevalent, hence also the fear of spirit possession.[2] The local name of 'Jhakri' is 'Phedangbo' in Limbu, 'Maangpa' or 'Nakchyong' in Khambu and 'Boongthing' in Lepcha
Jhakri's perform rituals during weddings, funerals, harvest rites and diagnose and cure diseases. They are inflluenced by Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, Mun and Bön rites.[3]