The tribal villagers of Bhadangepada believe spirits reside throughout their world, dwelling in the mountains, the waters, the trees, and even the leopards that roam their land. And, once a year, these divine entities reside within them too. In this small hamlet located in Palghar, about 120 km from Mumbai, they take pride in their ability to commune directly with the gods, inviting them to possess their very bodies. 

As an elder plays the tarpa, an adivasi wind instrument, the rhythm helps the men enter a hypnotic state. Next follows an animal sacrifice. The man in the foreground (shirtless) has to sacrifice a hen, but he must first enter a trance and find the bird in the jungle. “The sacrifices are important to keep the gods happy. They believe angry gods can result in famine, illness or drought,” says Saiyad