Story/Legend:

According to the Bodo mythology, Bathow was created by the supreme being, Khonsa-Thaorai, to protect the Bodo people and their land. He is believed to have descended from the heavens to the earth on a golden ladder. The legend also suggests that Bathow taught the Bodo people the art of cultivation, hunting, and fishing, which helped them to survive and thrive in the harsh terrains of the northeast region.

Religious Aspect:

Bathow worship is an important aspect of the Bodo religion, which is a mixture of animism, ancestor worship, and Hinduism. The Bodo people believe that Bathow is present in everything around them, from the trees and rivers to the mountains and the sky. They also believe that Bathow communicates with them through dreams and visions, and they perform rituals to appease him.

Description:

Bathow is depicted as a handsome and powerful deity, wearing a traditional Bodo costume with a crown made of bamboo sticks and leaves. He is often shown carrying a bow and arrow, which represents his hunting skills, and a sheaf of rice, which symbolizes the abundance of nature. Bathow is also associated with the sun and the moon, which are believed to be his eyes.

Cultural Importance:

The worship of Bathow is an integral part of the Bodo culture and identity. The Bodo people celebrate various festivals and ceremonies throughout the year in his honor, including the Bathow Puja, which is the most important festival dedicated to him. During this festival, the Bodo people offer rice, meat, and wine to Bathow and perform traditional dances and songs.

Festivals:

Bathow Puja is the main festival celebrated by the Bodo people in honor of Bathow. It is usually held in January and February and lasts for several days. During this festival, the Bodo people decorate their homes and temples with flowers and colorful lights, and perform traditional dances and songs. They also offer rice, meat, and wine to Bathow, and seek his blessings for a bountiful harvest and protection from evil spirits.

Conclusion:

Bathow is an important deity worshiped by the Bodo tribe in Assam. He is believed to have the power to grant blessings and protect his devotees from all kinds of evils. The worship of Bathow is an integral part of the Bodo culture and traditions, and the Bodo people celebrate various festivals and ceremonies in his honor.

References:

https://www.nativeplanet.com/travel-guide/bathow-puja-the-principal-festival-of-the-bodos-005524.html

https://www.inspirock.com/india/baksa-district/bathow-mandir-a2128635155

https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/Paper3/bathouism

FAQs:

Q. What is Bathow worship? A. Bathow worship is the worship of the god of the sky, mountains, and protector of the Bodo tribe in Assam.

Q. What is Bathow Puja? A. Bathow Puja is a festival celebrated by the Bodo tribe in Assam to worship their deity Bathow, who is believed to be the god of the sky, mountains, and protector of the tribe. During this festival, the Bodo people offer rice, meat, and wine to Bathow and perform traditional dances and songs to seek his blessings for a bountiful harvest and protection from evil spirits. Bathow Puja is the most important festival celebrated by the Bodo people and is usually held in January and February.

Q. When is Bathow Puja celebrated? A. Bathow Puja is usually celebrated in January or February every year, according to the Bodo calendar.

Q. What are the rituals performed during Bathow Puja? A. During Bathow Puja, the Bodo people perform various rituals to seek the blessings of Bathow. They offer rice, meat, and wine to Bathow and light lamps in his honor. Traditional Bodo dances and songs are also performed during the festival.

Q. What is the significance of Bathow Puja? A. Bathow Puja is the most important festival for the Bodo people, and it holds immense significance in their culture and traditions. The festival is celebrated to seek the blessings of Bathow for a good harvest and protection from evil spirits.

Q. How is Bathow Puja celebrated? A. Bathow Puja is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm by the Bodo people. They decorate their homes and temples with flowers and colorful lights and perform traditional dances and songs. Offerings of rice, meat, and wine are made to Bathow during the festival.

Q. Where is Bathow Puja celebrated? A. Bathow Puja is primarily celebrated by the Bodo tribe in Assam, India, where the deity is worshiped. However, Bodo communities living in other parts of India and abroad also celebrate the festival.

Q. What is the history of Bathow Puja? A. The exact history of Bathow Puja is not known, but it is believed to have been celebrated by the Bodo people for centuries. The festival is deeply rooted in the Bodo culture and traditions and has been passed down through generations.

Q. What is the role of Bathow in the Bodo community? A. Bathow is a revered deity in the Bodo community, and he is believed to be the protector of the tribe. He is also considered to be the god of the sky and mountains, and the Bodo people believe that he has the power to bring rain and ensure a good harvest.

Q. What are the traditional dresses worn during Bathow Puja? A. The Bodo people wear traditional attire during Bathow Puja. The men wear a dhoti and shirt, while the women wear a mekhela chador, a traditional Bodo dress. They also adorn themselves with jewelry and accessories made of silver and brass.