Source: DTE

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context:

• On February 22, 2025, the government of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) in Assam made Bathouism an official option in the religion section of various application forms.
• This made a significant recognition of Bathouism, the traditional faith of the Bodo people.

What is Bathouism?

• Bathouism is the traditional religion of the Bodo people, who are the largest plains tribe in Assam.
• The name "Bathou" comes from the Bodo language, where "Ba" means "five" and "thou" means "deep philosophical thought."
• The religion is based on the worship of nature and five important elements.

Key Elements of Bathouism

1. Bar (Air)
2. San (Sun)
3. Ha (Earth)
4. Or (Fire)
5. Okhrang (Sky)

Beliefs in Bathouism

• Bathouism worships Bwrai Bathou as the supreme god.
• The word Bwrai means "eldest" in Bodo, referring to someone with great power or knowledge.
• Symbol of Religion: The faith is centered around the Sijou plant (Euphorbia splendens).
• Sijou Plant: The Sijou plant holds a special place in Bathouism.
• It is planted on an elevated altar surrounded by bamboo fencing.
• The bamboo posts, arranged in pairs, represent five important stages in life:
  1. Birth
  2. Marriage or procreation
  3. Sorrow
  4. Happiness
  5. Death

 Who are Bodos in Assam ?

• The Bodos are the largest group among the Scheduled Tribes in Assam.
• They are part of the Bodo-Kachari community and make up about 5-6% of Assam's population.
• The first organised demand for a separate Bodo state started in 1967-68.
• The Assam Accord of 1985 helped raise the Bodo community's hopes.
• In 1987, ABSU (All Bodo Students’ Union) renewed the demand for a Bodo state.
• The Bodo Security Force, formed in 1986 as an armed group, later changed its name to NDFB. It later split into different factions.
• The first Bodo Accord was signed in 1993 with ABSU. It led to the creation of the Bodoland Autonomous Council (BAC), which had limited political powers.
• In 2003, the 2nd Bodo Accord was signed by the extremist group Bodo Liberation Tiger Force (BLTF), the Indian government, and the state government.
• This agreement led to the creation of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), an autonomous body under the 6th Schedule of the Constitution.

Source: 

DTE