Changing Bodo Customs and Traditions

Traditionally, Bodo marriages were settled at the Bathou altar or through jogya ahuti. Today, settlement locations vary: Christian Bodos marry in churches, Brahma religious Bodos use jogya in families or temples, Vaishnav religious Bodos marry before Krishna-Parbati idols, and Phwsabnai Bathouarians Bodos use a gambus for settlement. The alasi jania tradition is less strict, and gwrja and dongkha marriage systems are being abolished.

Significant changes are observed in the disposal of dead bodies. Formerly, bodies were left in open fields for cannibals, based on a folk belief that this freed the deceased from sins; this custom is no longer followed. The gwri dannai owa, previously not used domestically, is now being used again after a long period.

The tradition of using snapped thread is no longer practiced, nor is thread used for crossing water. Christian Bodos do not offer food for the dead, unlike Phwsabnai Bathou, Gudi Bathou, and other religious Bodos who continue to cook food for deceased persons.