Guwahati: For years, the Christian missionaries have been trying to lure poor tribal population of interior Assam and converting them to Christianity. Such attempts by missionaries have resulted in thousands of tribal populations of Karbi Anglong district converting to Christianity in the last few years. But of late with the help of several Hindu organisations, number of these converted people have returned to their original faith as part of the broad ‘Ghar Wapsi’ program. Over 100 people from 35 families in Karbi Anglong and Amsoi area reconverted from Christianity to Hinduism according to Tiwa tribal customs on August 26. These families had converted to Christianity through tempting offers a few years ago.
On March 18 this year, hundreds of tribal people in Karbi Anglong district of Assam have chosen to return to their traditional faith, marking a new chapter in the ongoing ‘Ghar Wapsi’ movement in the state. Through a solemn religious ceremony held in Diphu a total of thirty-five Christian Karbi families embraced their ancestral faith, Barithe Dharma, under the auspices of the Karbi Kurpho Amei at Serlongjon.
During the ceremony, one hundred and fifty men and women from these families participated in rituals symbolising their reversion to Barithe Dharma, their original religious practice. Offerings were made to Karbi deities Hemphu, Mukrang, and Rasinja, signifying their commitment to the traditional faith. The Karbi Kurpho Amei honoured the returning families in accordance with Karbi customs and traditions. Tansing Bey, President of Karbi Kurpho Amei, said that hailing from areas such as Bokajan, Nilip, Rongkhang, and Langsomepi, they have made a collective decision to embrace their indigenous religion once again.
Distinguished Karbi leaders, including Pratap Terang and Joysing Terang, known for their association with Karbi Customary Law, were present at the ceremony to witness and support this significant resurgence of traditional beliefs. The recent ‘Ghar Wapsi’ ceremony in Tiwa Shong village marks a poignant return to ancestral roots and cultural heritage for 132 converted Christian Tiwa people in Morigaon district. Spearheaded by the Goba Deoraja Raj Parishad, this initiative symbolises a collective reclamation of identity and tradition within the Tiwa tribal community. As families reunite with Sanatan Dharma, they reaffirm their commitment to preserving age-old customs and values, fostering a resurgence of Tiwa heritage. Led by a spirit of voluntary return, these individuals epitomise a profound desire to embrace their roots and uphold the rich tapestry of Tiwa life. This ceremony not only signifies a spiritual homecoming but also serves as a testament to the resilience and unity of the Tiwa people in safeguarding their cultural legacy.
The decision of these families to return to their roots reflects a growing trend of cultural revival and reaffirmation of indigenous identities among tribal communities in Assam. It also underscores the complex dynamics of religious conversion and reconversion, highlighting the enduring influence of tradition and heritage in shaping individual and collective identities. As the state continues to witness such transformative moments, the resurgence of traditional faiths like Barithe Dharma serves as a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry and diversity that define the socio-religious landscape of Assam’s tribal communities. It should be mentioned that the Hindu Dharma Sanskriti Suraksha Samiti claims that they have successfully reconverted 15,000 people recently in Assam, mainly in the tribal areas.
