 RABHA
In primitive societies religion began as conglomeration
of ideas, attitudes, creeds and acts of supernaturalism, beyond
the realm of the normal. In early tribal societies of the world,
this rudimentary form of religion played an important part in
the life of the community.
Rava or Rabha tribes of North Bengal are no
exception a deep-rooted faith that they have inherited from
their forefathers that revolve around the world of deities and
spirits. Like most tribal societies they have their set of community
activities to ensure safety, security and prosperity.
 Today
Rabhas practice a faith, which is basically a blend of some
Hindu and a few animistic rituals. There are considerable differences
in ritual practices among forest Rabhas and village Rabhas.
The forest Rabhas follow traditional animistic practices tinged
with some rituals of mainstream Hinduism. On the other hand
village Rabhas have merged with local Hindus as far as their
religious practices are concerned.
Various spirits and natural objects pervade
the religious world of the Rabhas. The main deity of the Rabhas
is Rishi. Rishi, for the forest Rabhas as well as village Rabhas,
is a male deity and is also known as Mahakal. Forest Rabhas
worship him in all important social and religious ceremonies.
In addition are the deities Rungtuk and Basek,
represented by two earthen pots of rice placed on the northern
side of the store. These two deities are considered as the daughters
of Rishi or Mahakal. Rungtuk and Basek are household deities
and considered as the deities of wealth like the Hindu Goddess
Lakshmi. The head of the household lives in this room. These
deities do not have any morphic figures. A red coloured earthen
pitcher filled with rice represents the deity Rungtuk. An egg
is kept on the neck of the pitcher.
 Rabhas
do not follow any Brahmanical methods of worship. The worship
of idols or any morphic figures is absent. There is also ritual
sacrifice of certain birds and animals. The ritual sacrifice
is an integral part of Rabha religious practices and blood-
the essential element to appease their Gods. Usually they sacrifice
pigeons and fowls for their deities. Occasionally they sacrifice
pigs too.
Like most tribal communities, dances and music
play an important part in the life of the Rabhas. After every
ritual they perform various dances to ingratiate their deities.
Most Rabha women can both dance and sing. Seeing a Rabha male
dance is a rare view.
Like most tribal dances, those of the Rabhas are connected to
some daily agrarian activity. They have a unique dance form
named "Nakchung Reni" to celebrate fishing in the
forest rivulets. Rabha women of all ages take part in this dance
whole-heartedly.
 Today
Hinduism and Christianity are two other major religious forces
that has shaped the Rabha community. The influence of Christianity
is perhaps more. In the recent years Rabhas have gained education
through missionaries but have probably moved away from their
indigenous culture and beliefs.
But in some pockets of North Bengal Rabhas
are still trying to preserve their traditional ways of life.
It is a struggle to maintain the age-old practices of their
forefathers without turning away from the fruits of modernity.
Only time can reveal the outcome of this social metamorphosis-taking
place in the tribal heartland of North Bengal.
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