Sadhbhs

Sadhbhs is a term encountered in certain oral and scholarly sources to refer to a class of ritual specialists who perform duties related to communal rites, healing, divination, and mediation with the sacred. The exact meaning and functions attributed to Sadhbhs vary across communities, and the term does not have a single standardized definition. Etymologically, the word is discussed as possibly deriving from local linguistic roots connected with truth, harmony, or spiritual authority, but there is no consensus.

In geographic spread, mentions of Sadhbhs occur in oral traditions across parts of South Asia and in diaspora communities, where they are linked to lineage-based ensembles, temples, or village networks. Their activities often center on performing at seasonal festivals, rites of passage, weddings, and community healing events, employing a repertoire that may include singing, storytelling, ritual recitation, and choreography. The social role of Sadhbhs can be fluid, with different generations or branches of a lineage assuming leadership in ceremonies, and with gendered expectations varying by locale.

In contemporary scholarship, Sadhbhs are approached as elements of intangible cultural heritage, with researchers examining transmission practices, sociopolitical context, and the impact of modernization on traditional roles. In popular culture, the term has sometimes appeared in fiction or online discussions to convey a sense of mystique or authority, though such portrayals may diverge from traditional usages. For researchers, precise understanding relies on specific ethnographic or textual sources tied to a community.