From Tradition to Modernity: The Changing Dynamics of Faith Healing in Sikkim

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Journal cover with the journal title, Indialogs Spanish journal of India studies, a black elephant, Vol. 12 no.1. Ecofeminism
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Sabin Pandey
Medhavi Skills University
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9530-6443
Yamuna Sharma
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0424-638X

This study examines the evolving landscape of faith healing practices in Sikkim, a region where traditional healing methods hold deep-rooted cultural significance but face mounting pressures from modernization. Through both primary and secondary data, this research highlights how socio-economic shifts and increased access to modern healthcare are reshaping public perceptions and the sustainability of faith healing practices. Semi-structured interviews with 12 faith healers across all six districts of Sikkim, complemented by surveys of 53 general respondents, reveal the key challenges and changes these practitioners face. Findings show that while faith healing remains an integral aspect of cultural identity in Sikkim, it struggles to resonate with younger generations, who are increasingly drawn to biomedical alternatives. The study underscores the importance of preserving traditional healing knowledge and suggests potential pathways for integrating these practices within modern healthcare frameworks to foster a balanced approach to healthcare in Sikkim. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the tensions between tradition and modernity in healthcare, offering insights for policy-makers, cultural preservationists, and healthcare providers alike.

Keywords
Faith Healing, Sikkim, Modernization, Cultural Heritage, Traditional Medicine, Healthcare Integration

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How to Cite
Pandey, Sabin; Sharma, Yamuna. “From Tradition to Modernity: The Changing Dynamics of Faith Healing in Sikkim”. Indialogs, 2025, vol.VOL 12, no. 1, pp. 151-78, doi:10.5565/rev/indialogs.318.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

(c) Sabin Pandey, Yamuna Sharma, 2025


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Author Biographies

Sabin Pandey, Medhavi Skills University

SABIN PANDEY is Assistant Professor at Medhavi Skills University, Sikkim, holds an MA in English and UGC NET qualification. Passionate about literature and social sciences, he integrates research with teaching, designs curricula aligned with NEP 2020, and actively engages in academic discourse to foster critical inquiry and interdisciplinary scholarship.

Yamuna Sharma

YAMUNA SHARMA, holds an MA in Geography (UGC NET Qualified) from Sikkim University, is passionate about geographical research and social sciences. Her work explores both physical aspects, such as landforms and climate, and social aspects, including human populations and cultures. She actively engages in academia, emphasizing sustainable development and interdisciplinary approaches.

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