Miracle Exposure
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The “Spirit” in a Wick
This article deconstructs the “dancing wick” ritual from South Kanara, where a lit lamp wick wriggles after an oracle collapses. Rather than a divine spirit entering the cotton, the movement is caused by a trapped earthworm struggling against heat and suffocation. Simple physical inspection easily exposes this deceptive cruelty.
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The “Spirit” in the Coconut
antriks exploit families during exorcisms by claiming a self-moving coconut imprisons a captive spirit. In reality, the mechanical movement relies on center-of-gravity shifts caused by a small animal sealed inside and distressed by ritual smoke. Real healing requires medical care for psychological dissociation, not ritual fraud.
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God’s Blue Autograph
Godmen claim divine intervention when a sacred name suddenly manifests in deep blue upon their skin at the touch of holy water. In reality, pre-written invisible text of potassium ferrocyanide reacts with dabbed ferric chloride solution to precipitate intense Prussian blue, exposing a routine chemical reaction masquerading as divine authority
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God’s Autograph: his name in the ash
Ascetics and godmen claim divine grace when sacred names magically appear on their skin after rubbing ash from a ritual fire. In reality, the names are pre-written using clear soap or gum. Heat from the fire induces sweat, reactivating the dried letters so fine ash adheres exclusively to them.
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Burning Water with Psychic Power
Psychics claim elemental power when water erupts into flames at the pass of a hand. In reality, the performer secretly drops a piece of sodium metal hidden inside a thimble into hot water. The violent chemical reaction releases hydrogen gas, which ignites, leaving behind a hazardous solution of caustic soda.
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Building the Rationalist Movement in Bihar
This report chronicles the expansion of the rationalist movement in Bihar, stemming from efforts to counter politicians honoring tantriks. Following nationwide miracle-exposure workshops and district tours with Science for Society, activists convened at Patna University to form the Bihar Rationalist Forum, establishing specialized investigative panels and electing ad hoc leadership under FIRA affiliation.
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Those Who Ran Away
This article recounts various instances where self-proclaimed miracle workers, black magicians, and astrologers retreated when challenged to scientific testing. The author exposes how claimants rely on cold reading, local mob intimidation, or procedural delays to evade verification, reiterating FIRA’s standing monetary challenge to anyone who can demonstrate genuine supernatural powers.
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An Atheist in Periyar’s Land
This personal narrative recounts extensive rationalist lecture-demonstrations and miracle-exposure workshops across Tamil Nadu. Operating in the intellectual shadow of Periyar, the author describes countering religious fraudsters, enduring fundamentalist intimidation, exposing Nadi Jyothisham, and successfully engaging college students and public audiences to foster scientific temper despite media misrepresentation and threats.
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Rationalism at the Grassroots: Working with Madhya Pradesh Tribals
This field report details rationalist outreach among Adivasi and Dalit communities in Madhya Pradesh. The author describes conducting workshops in Itarsi, Betul, and Indore to debunk local healers like Bhagats and Padeyars, train indigenous youth in scientific temper, counter religious proselytization, and challenge social prejudices against Denotified Tribes.