The Assam Government has approved the inclusion of “Bathouism” as an official option in the religion column of various application forms, marking a significant step for the recognition of the indigenous Bodo faith.
- The Assam Government has also declared the second Tuesday of the traditional month of Magh as a state holiday for the festival of Bathou Puja.
About Bathouism
- A large portion of the Bodo community, the largest plains tribe of Assam, still continues to practice Bathouism, their indigenous religion, even though many have converted to Hinduism or Christianity.
- Their homeland has been on the north bank of the Brahmaputra, with the foothills of Bhutan to the north.
- Bodos are one of the largest indigenous tribes of Assam, with the majority of the population residing in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).
- Despite the lack of theological texts and idol worship, Bathouism’s essence and guiding principles have been transmitted over generations through a rich oral tradition.
- The word ‘Bathou’ comprises two words: Ba and thou. ‘Ba’ means ‘five’, and ‘thou’ could equate to ‘deep philosophical thought’ Hence, Bathouism is based on the ‘Principle of Five.’
- Bathouism places an emphasis on the need to respect the natural world and our surroundings, propagating the need to preserve equilibrium and harmony among all. Amongst the follower of Bathou religion, God is known as Bathoubwrai.
- In Bodo language, the word Bwrai signifies the oldest or most elderly man in power and knowledge or the supreme in all respects.
(Source; Down To Earth and Indian Culture portal)
