The stage is set - drums are beating, village singers are chanting mantras, smoke has engulfed the surroundings. It’s the day of Karthick Purnima when the dissatisfied souls awake - people go in a trance and the exorcists are ready to plunge into action. Exorcism, a shady medieval ritual is still a common practice in this village named Shonepur. Locals believe dissatisfied souls of forefathers come and occupy the souls of their descendants, especially on the day of Karthick Purnima. It’s customary to worship the forefathers on that day and free their souls with the help of an exorcist. Strange facial expressions, songs of village singers and physically inflicting pain to the victims are noticed during this extreme ritual.
