Abstract Panel


Authors Information
SequenceTypeName TitleFirst NameLast NameDepartmentInstitute / Affiliation
1 Author Ms. Angana Goswami Anthropology University of Delhi
Abstract Information
TrackID
:
IUAES23_ABS_L8470
Abstract Theme
:
P101 - Tribes and Religion: Emerging Categories, Unfolding Contestations
Abstract Title
:
Understanding Sarania Kacharis' faith in Bamboo God Worship.
Short Abstract
:
Sarania kacharis belongs to a major mongoloid tribal group called Bodo-Kachari inhabiting in the northeastern state of Assam, India. Bamboo is their primary God along with the other Hindu deities and goddesses. These people's religious practices may evolve over time due to the influence of neighbouring religions, but they still hold onto some key tenets that are essential to their cultural identity. World religion and indigenous faith of Sarania Kacharis are intertwined in a way that raises important questions about cultural diversity and preservation in a rapidly changing society. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the faith of Sarania Kacharis has been attempted, which is deeply embedded in their communities and plays a crucial role in shaping their culture.
Long Abstract
:

Sarania kacharis belongs to a major mongoloid tribal group called Bodo-Kachari inhabiting in the northeastern state of Assam, India. This paper is part of my ongoing Ph.D. fieldwork among the Sarania Kacharis of Assam where I learned that they primary worship Bamboo along with the other Hindu deities and goddesses. These people's religious practices may evolve over time due to the influence of neighbouring religions, but they still hold onto some key tenets that are essential to their cultural identity. They are chiefly influenced by Hinduism and Vaishnavism as they worship several Hindu gods and goddesses. The conversion brought immense transformation in their life style as they have adopted Hindu customs in their daily life like they have abandoned their old food habits, drinking traditional liquor and also started speaking Assamese only. However, the acceptance of Vaishnavism has not cut the Saranias off from some of their age-old customs. The traditional characteristics could be observed in their traditional festival viz., Bah Goxai Utsav where they worship Bamboo. World religion and indigenous faith of Sarania Kacharis are intertwined in a way that raises important questions about cultural diversity and preservation in a rapidly changing society. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the faith of Sarania Kacharis has been attempted, which is deeply embedded in their communities and plays a crucial role in shaping their culture. We shall see through their various tribal ceremonies as to how they are safeguarding their beliefs and take a glimpse the efforts that have been undertaken to cope alongside world famous beliefs in the 21st century.

Abstract Keywords
:
Sarania Kachari, Tribe, Faith, Bamboo God