Vol.:(0123456789) Journal of Religion and Health https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-023-01971-9 1 3 ORIGINAL PAPER Gowâti Music Therapy: An Ancient Healing Tradition in Taftan, Baluchestan Karimbakhsh Kordi‑Tamandani 1  · Khalil Hakimifar 1 Accepted: 27 November 2023 © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2023 Abstract This research delves into the ancient healing tradition of Gowâti music therapy in Taftan, Baluchestan, with a focus on the cultural beliefs and practices surround‑ ing the Gowâti ceremony. The manuscript also highlights the historical connection between music and spirituality, tracing the roots of music therapy back to ancient Iran. The study is based on a combination of interviews, active participation in the Gowâti ceremony, and consultation with experts. However, access to the private cer‑ emony was restricted, leading to certain limitations in data collection. The fndings of this study rely heavily on anecdotal accounts passed down through generations among the residents of the region, as well as information gathered from interviews with the caliph (performer) of music therapy in the area. The main objective of this study is to examine the impact of music and its use as a therapeutic tool, with a specifc focus on the unique characteristics of Gowâti music therapy. The fndings suggest that this form of music therapy is deeply rooted in religious beliefs, mystical ideologies, and sacrifcial rituals. Keywords Music therapy · The Gowâti ceremony · The Caliph · Taftan · Sacrifcial rituals * Khalil Hakimifar kh_hakimifar@theo.usb.ac.ir Karimbakhsh Kordi‑Tamandani karimtamandani@gmail.com 1 Department of Comparative Religions at the Faculty of Theology, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran