Pahans stand at the very heartbeat of Santal spirituality, weaving together the tribe’s ancient myths, rituals and everyday life. Seen as living bridges between the visible world and the unseen spirits, these shamans guide offerings to Bonga—the all-pervading spirits of nature—and ensure harmony among humans, ancestors and the environment.

At the crack of dawn, a pahan’s day often begins by invoking Marang Buru, the great mountain spirit, asking for blessings on fields and families. When crops wither or illness strikes, villagers turn to the pahan’s diagnostic chants and herbal lore. With drumbeats and songs passed down through generations, the shaman drives away malevolent forces and restores balance. It’s this blend of botany and spirituality—rooted in centuries-old oral tradition—that keeps communal well-being intact.

Festivals like Sohrai (harvest) and Karam (youth and fertility rites) come alive under a pahan’s stewardship. Elaborate leaf-and-clay altars take shape in the village courtyard, sprinkled with rice, flowers and local liquor. As dancers whirl to the rhythmic beat, the pahan stands at the center, weaving a living tapestry of memory and hope. When the pandemic struck in 2020–21, many pahan adapted: leading small household rituals, offering herbal tonics, even sharing prayers via smartphone video calls to keep cultural flame alive.

Beyond religious ceremonies, pahan often serve as custodians of Santal identity in today’s changing India. In states like Jharkhand and West Bengal, they participate in tribal rights gatherings, voicing concerns over land preservation and the impact of mining. A handful have even featured in documentaries—like the acclaimed 2023 film “Whispers of the Hills”—bringing wider attention to tribal wisdom in environmental conservation.

While modern pressures nudge younger generations toward urban life, the pahan’s songs, stories and ghostly dances remain a living thread. Their role isn’t confined to ritual alone: it’s about carrying forward a worldview where every tree, stream and star is enlivened by spirit—and every person belongs to a tapestry far larger than themselves.