Bathou
Bathou is the traditional religion of the Bodo people of Assam — centred around the Siju cactus (Euphorbia antiquorum), which stands at every Bodo home's altar as the living symbol of the supreme god. Bathou preserves one of India's most distinctive aniconic tribal religions.
Bathouism teaches five fundamental philosophical elements (Ba = 5, Thou = philosophical/principles):
- Bar (air)
- San (sun)
- Ha (earth)
- Or (fire)
- Okhrang (sky)
The Siju cactus in the northeast corner of the courtyard is the altar; daily offerings of jou (rice beer), betel nut, and prayer are made. The supreme being Bathoubwrai (Great-Elder Bathou) is invoked. The All Bathou Mahasabha (founded 1992) is working to revive the tradition against Christianization and Hinduization pressure.
