The Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) government in Assam has recently included Bathouism as an official option in the religion column on various government application forms. This decision, which extends to educational institution admissions and key documents such as birth and death certificates issued by the Health & Family Welfare Department, underscores the state’s commitment to recognizing the ancestral faith of the Bodos.
Key Highlights:
Official Recognition:
- Bathouism is now available as an option on government forms, providing legal and administrative acknowledgment of the faith.
- Previously, the Assam Government declared the second Tuesday of the traditional month of Magh as a state holiday for Bathou Puja, highlighting the cultural importance of this tradition.
Cultural and Social Impact:
- The move supports inclusivity and cultural preservation in the region.
- It acknowledges the diverse religious landscape of the Bodo community, many of whom have also embraced Christianity, while still valuing their traditional beliefs.
About Bathouism:
Traditional Faith of the Bodos:
- Bathouism is the ancestral religion of the Bodos, the largest plains tribe of Assam, whose homeland lies on the north bank of the Brahmaputra, near the foothills of Bhutan.
- Core Beliefs:
- The faith centers around the worship of Bathoubwrai (Sibwrai), the supreme god of the Bodos.
- The term “Bathou” is derived from the Bodo words “Ba” (five) and “thou” (deep philosophical thought), reflecting the five elemental principles:
- Bar (Air)
- San (Sun)
- Ha (Earth)
- Or (Fire)
- Okhrang (Sky)
- These principles are analogous to the Panchatatva in Hinduism.
- Symbolic Centre – The Sijou Plant:
- The Sijou plant (Euphorbia splendens) is the central symbol in Bathouism.
- Planted in the Bathou altar, it is regarded as the living symbol of Bathoubwrai, reinforcing the sacred connection between the community and its deity.
The official recognition of Bathouism by the BTR government not only honors the cultural heritage of the Bodo community but also promotes religious inclusivity and social acceptance. This initiative reinforces the importance of preserving indigenous faiths and traditions, ensuring that the rich cultural tapestry of Assam is acknowledged and celebrated within the state’s administrative framework.