Indonesia's rain-averting shamans back in business after pandemic hiatus

Traditional rain shaman, Ki Joko Sapu Jagat, 57, gets ready for a ritual following the ease of restrictions amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic as Indonesia's traditional rain charmers get back in business in Bekasi, on the outskirts of Jakarta, Indonesia, October 16, 2021. Picture taken October 16, 2021. REUTERS/Ajeng Dinar Ulfiana

BEKASI, Indonesia (Reuters) - Seated cross-legged amid a fog of incense and platters of fragrant offerings, dishes of red chillies, garlic bulbs and frangipani petals, Indonesian shaman Ki Joko Sapu-Jagat prepares at home the night before his first day back on the job.

After a months-long interruption, Indonesia's rain shamans who conduct ceremonies to keep rain away, are back in business, with large-scale events now permitted under eased coronavirus restrictions.