Why in the News?

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.

What is Bathouism?

• Bathouism is the traditional faith of the Bodo people, primarily practiced in Assam and the foothills of Bhutan.
• It is a nature-centric religion that worships Bathoubwrai, the supreme deity believed to govern the universe.
• The central symbol of Bathouism is the Sijou plant (Euphorbia antiquorum), representing Bathoubwrai and planted in sacred enclosures (Bathou Thansali).
• Bathou Puja is performed to seek divine blessings for prosperity, health, and well-being.
• The Assam government has recently recognized Bathouism as a distinct faith, allowing its inclusion in official documents.

Philosophy of Bathouism

• Bathouism is based on five fundamental elements, known as Ba (five) Thou (deep thought), representing natural forces:

1. Bar (Air) – Symbolizes breath, movement, and life force.
2. San (Sun) – Represents light, energy, and warmth.
3. Ha (Earth) – Stands for stability, fertility, and sustenance.
4. Or (Fire) – Denotes transformation and purification.
5. Okhrang (Sky) – Represents infinite wisdom and cosmic balance.

• Bathoubwrai (Sibwrai) is considered almighty, omniscient, and eternal, beyond time and space. He is indestructible—fire cannot burn him, water cannot moisten him, air cannot dry him, and weapons cannot pierce him.
• Bathouism promotes:

1. Truthfulness, honesty, and righteousness.
2. Respect for elders, ancestors, and nature.
3. Peaceful coexistence and non-violence.
4. Gratitude through rituals and pujas.

• 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.

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