An Invisible Universe of Evil: Supernatural Beliefs and Practices among Farmers in Punjab

Abstract

The current study intends to investigate the presence of supernatural beliefs and behaviors in crop cultivation and animal management among Punjab's rural agriculturalists. The study also makes an effort to comprehend the cultural connotations that Punjabi farmers connect to these paranormal activities and beliefs. The researchers used a qualitative research technique to perform an exploratory study in order to meet these study aims. Using a semi-structured interview guide, information was gathered from rural agriculturalists. Both male and female rural agriculturalists were subjected to interviews. Additionally, a few interviews with rural spiritual healers, livestock and agricultural professionals, and religious academics were done. The breeding and raising of cattle among the rural agriculturalists was shown to be closely related to superstitious beliefs and behaviours. These attitudes and behaviours are thought to be beneficial for boosting agricultural productivity and rearing livestock at a higher profit. The main activities mentioned by the rural agriculturalists include visiting shrines, using ashes, flowers, and salt as antidotes, and distributing the share for pirs, or spiritual figures, and shrines.