Context: The Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) government in Assam has officially included ‘Bathouism’ as an option in the religion column of key application forms, including admission forms, birth and death certificates.

• Move aims to preserve nature-based indigenous faiths and distinct Bodo identity.

About Bathouism

• Traditional faith of the Bodos—largest plains tribe in Assam.

• Bathoubwrai (Sibwrai): Supreme God symbolizing the supreme soul (Poromatma).

• Philosophy based on five elements:

• Bar (Air) | San (Sun) | Ha (Earth) | Or (Fire) | Okhrang (Sky)

• Parallels with Panchatatva in Hinduism.

• Sijou plant (Euphorbia splendens): Living symbol of Bathoubwrai; central to worship rituals.

• Bathou rituals involve five bamboo sticks symbolizing the five elements, with offerings of rice beer, milk, flowers, and incense.

• Ancestral veneration and community harmony are integral aspects of the faith.

Government Initiatives

• Bathou Puja: Declared state holiday on second Tuesday of Magh month.

• Union Home Minister reaffirmed commitment to preserve nature-centric faiths at the 13th Triennial Conference of All Bathou Mahasabha (Jan 2024).

Significance of Recognition

• Reinforces cultural roots while embracing modernity.

• Promotes religious inclusivity and identity preservation.

• Comparable to recognition of Sarnaism (practiced in Chota Nagpur Plateau)—both emphasize nature worship and ancestral reverence.

Implications

• Strengthens Bodo community’s cultural heritage.

• Reflects government’s inclusive approach towards indigenous beliefs.

• Potential to inspire similar recognition for other tribal faiths in India.