Sarnaism

The flag representing the indigenous Sarna religion of the Adivasi of central-eastern India.
Sarna dhorom

Sarnaism or Sarna[1][2][3] (local languages: Sarna Dhorom, meaning "Religion of the Holy Woods") defines the indigenous religions of the Adivasi populations of the states of Central-East India, such as the Munda, the Ho, the Santal, the Khuruk, and others.

Etymology

Sarna means "grove" and it is etymologically related to the name of the sal tree, sacred to the religion, from which is derived Sari Dhorom (or, "Religion of the Sal Tree").

History

Sarnaist followers have been organising protests and petitions to have their religion recognised by the government of India in census forms.[4][5] In 2013, Sarnaist followers have organised a protest against the deliberate use of indigenous imagery by Christians in order to attract converts.[6][7]

Theory

Adherents of Sarnaism believe in, worship and revere Dharmesh, or God as the creator of the universe, who is also called Marang Buru[8] or Singbonga or by other names by different tribes. Adherents also believe in, worship and revere Chalapachho Devi, the Mother Goddess, identified as the earth, nature, and the World Tree, symbolised by the Sal tree. Dharmesh is believed to manifest in Sal trees.

Worship places and rites

Sarna worshippers

Sarna temples are called sthal or asthal, and can be found in villages, while worship can be performed also in jaher, or sacred groves. Sal trees are present both in the temples and the sacred grove. The ceremonies are performed by the whole village community at a public gathering with the active participation of village priests, pahan. The chief assistant of village priest is called Naike.

Organisations

Demographics

Jharkhand - 4,223,500

Assam - 1,000,000-1,500,000(estimated)

Odisha - 500,000-1,000,000(estimated)

Bibliography

Documents

References

  1. ↑ Minahan, 2012. p. 236
  2. ↑ Sachchidananda, 1980. p. 235
  3. ↑ Srivastava, 2007.
  4. ↑ SANTOSH K. KIRO. Delhi demo for Sarna identity. The Telegraph, 2013
  5. ↑ Pranab Mukherjee. Tribals to rally for inclusion of Sarna religion in census. Times of India, 2013.
  6. ↑ Kelly Kislaya. Tribals to remove Virgin Mary’s statue if attire isn’t changed. The Times of India, 2013.
  7. ↑ Anumeha Yadav. Tribals torn apart by religion. The Hindu, 2014.
  8. ↑ Minahan, 2012. p. 236

External links

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