October 18, 2025

Guwahati is buzzing with joy as the Bathou religion, followed by the Bodo community in Assam, clinches a special code in the upcoming census. Promod Boro, former chief executive member of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) and a leader from the United Peoples’ Party-Liberal (UPPL), shared this big news on X. He expressed his excitement, saying, "On behalf of the entire Bodo community, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Honourable Union Home Minister Amit Shah ji, who has provided a separate code for India's ancient Bathou religion in the upcoming census. This historic decision grants long-awaited national recognition to the sacred Bathou religion of our Bodo society." A letter from the Registrar General of India’s Social Studies Division was also revealed by Boro. It was addressed to Sarada Prasad Mashahari, Chairman of the Bathou Traditional and Cultural Centre in Kokrajhar. The letter stated, "I am directed to inform you that in Census, the enumerators are instructed to record religion as actually returned by the respondents. All religions/sects/beliefs as reported by the respondents are recorded as such." This means the Bathou faith will be officially documented and recognized for the first time nationally. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier visited the region in March this year. During his trip, he honored the Bathou religion’s vital role in the lives of the Bodo people. He explained the meaning behind Bathou, saying it is made up of "two elements, and its meaning is 'the deep mystery of the creator of the five elements.'" The 'panchatatva' or five elements are fire, air, earth, sky, and water — all central to this ancient belief system. Amit Shah proudly added that he works to spread the inspiring message of the Bathou religion far and wide. This development marks a proud and new chapter for the Bodo community. With national recognition in the census, the sacred Bathou faith is set to gain the respect and attention it truly deserves. So, watch this space as Assam’s rich cultural tapestry gets brighter and bolder!

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Tags: Bathou religion, Bodo community, Assam, Census 2024, Amit shah, Bodoland territorial council,