In Lahiri village of Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra, 65-year-old pujari Pengda Kuma Bongani has been practising ‘jhar phook’ for decades — a faith-healing ritual of chants, rice grains and belief. The number of pujaris is over 2,000 in the district,” says Dr Sujita Wadiwe, Gadchiroli District Malaria Officer. “The number of malaria cases usually increases during two seasons: July to August and December to January,” says Gadchiroli District Health Officer Dr Pratap Shinde. Gadchiroli recorded 6,436 malaria cases in 2013, rising to 34,206 cases in 2015. It is now also working with the district health officials in the new effort.

Source: Indian Express March 29, 2026 08:54 UTC