Why in news?
The Bodoland Territorial Region in Assam recently announced that Bathouism, the traditional faith of the Bodo community, would be listed as a distinct religion on official forms such as school admissions and certificates. This move, widely welcomed by community leaders, recognises an indigenous belief system that had long lacked formal acknowledgement.
Background
Bathouism is the ancestral faith of the Bodos, the largest plains tribe of Assam. The word Bathou comes from two Bodo terms – Ba meaning “five” and thou meaning “deep philosophical thought” – and refers to the belief in five fundamental elements: air, sun, earth, fire and sky. Followers revere Bathoubwrai, the supreme deity representing the omnipresent soul.
Key beliefs and practices
- Five elements: Bathouism is based on five cosmic principles – air (Bar), sun (San), earth (Ha), fire (Or) and sky (Okhrang) – mirroring the Hindu concept of Panchatatva.
- Sijou plant: Worship centres around the Sijou plant (Euphorbia splendens), which symbolises life and the soul. A Sijou shrub is planted in an altar fenced with eighteen pairs of bamboo strips, each pair representing different stages of life such as birth, sorrow, happiness and death.
- Community rituals: Ceremonies are often conducted in sacred groves. Followers offer prayers to Bathoubwrai and lesser deities through songs, dance and sacrifices. Festivals such as Bathou Puja celebrate the harmony between humans and nature.
- Recognition and reform: Over the past century, Bathouism experienced reform movements and conversion to other religions. Recent government recognition aims to preserve this indigenous faith and promote cultural pride.
Why recognition matters
Listing Bathouism separately in government records acknowledges the Bodos’ distinct identity and supports the community’s efforts to preserve their nature‑centric beliefs. Experts note that recognising indigenous faiths on par with mainstream religions helps preserve cultural diversity and encourages younger generations to value traditional practices.
Source: ET