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 in the states of Jharkhand, Odisha and Chattisgarh. The main ethnic follower of the religion are the Santhals , Munda, the Ho, the Khuruk, and others. Some tribal population practice Sarna belief in addition to following Hinduism.

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"). Even after the separation of Bihar and Jharkhand, a large population of santhals continue to live in Bihar and belong to the Sarna Religion .

History

Sarnaist followers have been organising protests and petitions to have their religion recognised by the government of India in census forms.[4][5]

Theory

Adherents of Sarnaism believe in, worship and revere Dharmesh, or God as the creator of the universe, who is also called Marang Buru[6] 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)

Census 2011 (Jharkhand and Odisha): 4,957,000[7]

Bihar - 1,349,460(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. ↑ Minahan, 2012. p. 236
  7. ↑ ZEESHAN SHAIKH for The Indian Express: "Fewer minor faiths in India now, finds Census; number of their adherents up"
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