Bhubaneswar, June 1 -- Despite the ravages of time, possession by local Gods and making prophecies from a trance-like state continue to be a feature of villages. Such a phenomenon, while not uncommon in the rather rural parts of our State, this particular instance from the coastal Odisha district of Puri has caught the attention of people.

Pratap Bhoi from Jamara village in Puri's Gop block turns 'Kalishi' every Tuesday as he claims Goddess Mangala possesses his body on that day. He wears garlands made of red hibiscus, gulps down fire, walks on fire, and sets up his 'darbar' at the village.

Many people throng him for solutions to their problems which range from health to family and business. They believe Pratap can solve any problem dur...