Traditional medicine and herbal treatments continue to hold a deep-rooted place in the daily lives of people living in the Bastar region. When afflicted with ailments like jaundice, villagers in this area rely heavily on a unique traditional remedy known as the Gati Mala, which commands immense faith and reverence among the local population.
The practice of wearing a Gati Mala upon contracting jaundice is widely prevalent across the Bastar region. According to local beliefs, wearing this sacred garland prevents the jaundice from advancing to a severe stage, allowing the patient to recover within a few days. Driven by absolute faith in this traditional healing method, not only local villagers but also people from urban centers like Jagdalpur travel to acquire this protective garland.
The Gati Mala holds profound significance in the region and is carefully crafted by threading special elements onto a white string. This remedy is derived from the fuder tree found locally in the forests of Bastar. Notably, no fixed fee or money is charged for providing this remedy. Once health is restored, individuals offer coconuts or other items voluntarily as a token of gratitude and faith.
Mantu, the priest responsible for preparing the Gati Mala, explained that placing this garland around a jaundice patient prevents the illness from worsening, leading to a swift recovery within days. The preparation involves invoking the village deities with deep reverence. The priest shared that he learned the meticulous crafting method from his ancestors, utilizing natural materials sourced directly from the surrounding forests, maintaining the unwavering faith of the community.
People travel from far and wide to the villages of Bastar seeking relief through this custom. Padam Nath Kashyap, who arrived to obtain the garland, shared that he came to secure the remedy for his ailing mother who had contracted jaundice. He and numerous others firmly believe that this garland resolves jaundice effectively, prompting people from Jagdalpur and beyond to visit the rural settlements and experience recovery within days of wearing it.
