The Bathou Religion of the Bodo People

Religion is an integral part of the Bodo traditional culture, with their own traditional religion named Bathou. They worship Bathou as their supreme God, considering him as the all-encompassing being and a dominant force in their social patterns, economy, lifestyle, and way of thinking. In the Bodo language, Bathou religion is known as Bathou Dhwrwm, which encompasses corporate rites, rituals, social norms, ethics, and philosophy of the Bodos.

Beyond the supreme god Bathou, Bodo people worship numerous other deities, with Sibrai regarded as the head of all deities. Their folk belief dictates that worshipping God with heart and soul ensures blessings and affection. Consequently, all social functions, including wedding ceremonies and other individual or social events, are performed according to the rites and rituals of their religion.

Bathou, the supreme god, is believed to be the almighty, superior creator, and destructor. The religion defines Bathou as comprising five essential elements: 'Ba' meaning five and 'Thou' meaning depth. These elements are Bar (air), Dwi (water), Ha (soil), Or (fire), and Okhrang (sky). Bodos believe that no being or thing can be created without these fundamental elements. Historical records, such as 'The Kacharis,' confirm the Bodos have practiced the Bathou religion since ancient times, referring to them as 'Animistic'.