Singbonga
| Singbonga | |
|---|---|
God of creation and preservation | |
| Affiliation | Sarna Dharam |
| Mantra | Sirma redo Singbonga, Singbongae elang tana.... |
| Symbol | The Sun |
| Festivals | Sarhul, Sohrai, Mage Parab, etc. |
Singbonga is a deity worshipped primarily by the tribal communities in the Indian state of Jharkhand and the neighboring regions of West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar.[1][2] Revered as the supreme god by the Ho, Munda, Bhumij, and Santhal tribes, Singbonga represents the sun god and is associated with light, life, and fertility.[3][4] His worship is an integral part of the tribal religious practices and rituals, often celebrated with grandeur and devotion.[5][6]
In some tribal communities, a sacred tree or a stone may serve as his symbol, marking places of worship or ritual importance.
Etymology
The name Singbonga is derived from two words: Sing meaning "sun" and Bonga meaning "god" or "deity" in the Munda languages.[7] The term symbolizes the Sun God, regarded as a life-giving force that controls various aspects of nature, agriculture, and wellbeing.[8]
Description
Singbonga is believed to be the creator of the universe and is seen as a powerful force that governs both the natural and spiritual worlds.[9] According to tribal mythology, Singbonga created the world and all its inhabitants. He is often depicted as a benevolent and just god who sustains the balance of nature. The sun, being a vital aspect of life, is his earthly manifestation. As a protector of crops, animals, and people, Singbonga is called upon for blessings of good harvests, health, and prosperity.
References
- ^ "Kol-Tribe-Of-Jharkhand – Kol Tribe". Retrieved 2024-08-02.
- ^ "Tribes We Serve - RAMAKRISHNA MISSION ASHRAMA". jhargram.rkmm.org. Retrieved 2024-08-02.
- ^ "The Munda People: Indigenous Governance and Community Life in Jharkhand - historified". 2024-05-06. Retrieved 2024-08-02.
- ^ Frazer, James George (1926). The Worship of Nature. Macmillan.
- ^ Huda, Md Shaiful (2021-09-02), The Mundas: an ethnic community in the south-west coastal region of Bangladesh (Buno/kuli/Sarna/Horoko, Indigenous people during the British period coming from Ranchi)., doi:10.33774/coe-2021-m0qws, retrieved 2024-08-02
- ^ "Asur". Tribal Welfare Research Institute Jharkhand. Retrieved 2024-08-02.
- ^ SAURABH, SAKET SUMAN (2017). "THE MAYANS OF GUATEMALA AND THE MUNDA TRIBALS OF JHARKHAND: RACE, RITES AND RITUALS AND UNDERSTANDING GLOBALIZATION". Readings through the Texts of Rigoberta Menchú and Dayamani Barla: A Comparative Study. CLACSO. pp. 49–62 [53-54]. doi:10.2307/j.ctv253f66w.8.
- ^ SINGH, K. S. (1992). "Solar Traditions in Tribal and Folk Cultures of India". India International Centre Quarterly. 19 (4): 28–39 [31-32]. JSTOR 23004006.. Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.
- ^ "Culture & Heritage | District Khunti, Government of Jharkhand | India". Retrieved 2024-08-02.
- SINGH, K. S. (1992). "Solar Traditions in Tribal and Folk Cultures of India". India International Centre Quarterly. 19 (4): 28–39 [31-33]. JSTOR 23004006. Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.
Further reading
- Exem, Albert Van (1978). "Haram and Singbonga. The Concept of the Supreme Being According to Munda Mythology". In P. Ponette (ed.). The Munda World. Ranchi. pp. 81–115.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - SINGH, K. S. (1992). "The Munda Epic: An Interpretation". India International Centre Quarterly. 19 (1/2): 75–89. JSTOR 23002221. Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.