The Bathow Puja, one of the most sacred and ancient religious festivals of the Bodo-Kachari community, was celebrated with devotion across Assam. The festival is traditionally observed on the second Tuesday of the Assamese month of Magh every year.

What is Bathow Puja?

• Bathow Puja (also called Bathou Puja) is dedicated to Bathow Bwrai, the supreme deity of the Bodos and is a part of Bathoism.
  • Bathowism is the indigenous religion of the Bodo people.
  • Assam Government has officially recognised Bathouism as an official religion option in various application forms in BTR region.
• Bathow Bwrai is often associated with Lord Shiva, reflecting the syncretic nature of indigenous belief systems.
• The festival reflects deep reverence for nature, ancestors and cosmic balance, forming the spiritual core of Bodo society.

Meaning and Philosophy

• The term Bathow is derived from two Bodo words:
  • Ba – five
  • Thow – deep or profound
• It signifies the five natural elements — earth, water, fire, air and sky, which are central to Bathowism, the traditional Bodo faith.
• These elements are believed to sustain life and represent the divine essence of creation.

The Sacred Sijou Plant

• The Sijou plant (Euphorbia splendens) is the living symbol of Bathow Bwrai.
• It is planted at the centre of worship, fenced with bamboo and offered flowers, fruits, betel leaves and rice beer.
• The plant symbolises life, purity and protection from evil forces.

Associated Deities and Ritual Structure

Bathow worship honours a spiritual hierarchy of deities, representing cosmic forces:

• Aileng – guardian deity
• Agrang – commander deity
• Khouila – messenger spirit
• Kazi – minister deity
• Abla Khungur – fierce protective form of Bathow

Rituals, symbolic offerings and traditional dances strengthen community bonding and cultural continuity.

Exam Hook – 

Q. Consider the following statements:

1. Bathow Puja is associated with the worship of five natural elements.
2. The Sijou plant is a sacred symbol in Bathow Puja.
3. Bathow Puja is a harvest festival celebrated exclusively after the monsoon.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: 1 and 2 only

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