Abstract

The Jogi community is a small, marginalized group of people in Darjeeling, who have faced historical discrimination due to their social status and religious beliefs. Through ethnographic research, the paper explores the Jogi community's religious practices, with a focus on their spiritual beliefs in deities, pilgrimage sites, and ritual offerings. The Jogis follow a unique spiritual path that blends elements of Hinduism, Sufism, and Tantra, and this paper provides an indepth analysis of their customs and rituals, including their celebrations and rites. Additionally, the study examines the Jogi community's history, which has been largely ignored in mainstream narratives, and their ongoing struggle to preserve their cultural heritage. The Jogis use rituals and festivals to create and reinforce social solidarity and to maintain a balance between the human and spirit worlds. Through ethnographic research and an analysis of historical and literary sources, the paper offers insights into the diverse practices of the Jogis, including their use of music, dance, and meditation in their religious observances. The paper underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting the religious practices of marginalized communities in promoting cultural diversity and social justice.

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