Hinduism in Meghalaya

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Nartiang Durga Temple

Hinduism is a minority religion in the Meghalaya state of India constituting 12% of the state's population. [1] The Nartiang Durga Temple in Meghalaya is one of the 51 Shakti peethas on Earth and is considered by Hindus of Meghalaya as the permanent abode of Goddess Durga.[2] Hinduism is a popular religion practice by Rabhas, Hajongs, Kochs, Rajbongshis, Mikirs, Bengalis, Nepalis, Biharis etc.[1]

Tradition[]

A traditional Hajong Granary has no doors in order to prevent the goddess of wealth and fortune, Lukkhi Dyao (Lakshmi), from running away.

Festivals[]

Hinduism is practiced by different groups of Meghalaya. Hindus celebrate many festivals in Meghalya.[3] Diwali, , Navaratri, etc. are celebrated by people. Navaratri and other Goddess Pujas are celebrated mainly by Bengali people. Diwali is celebrated by almost all Hindus. Behdienkhlam is celebrated by Pnar/Jaintia Hindus with Niamatre believers.[4]

Behdienkhlam is festival celebrated by Hindus and Niamatres in Jowai, Meghalaya

In Jowai, is a harvest festival celebrate by Hindus and Niamatre believers. This festival is popular among non-Christian Pnar people(Jaintia).

Many other Hindu festivals celebrate Hindus like Makar Sankranti, Diwali, Holi, Navaratri,etc.

Important Temples and Shrines[]

In Meghalaya, there is Shaktipeeth at Jaintia hills in . Here, Shakti is worshipped as Jayanti and Bhairava is worshipped as Kamadishwar. There many native Brahmins who caretakes temple and organises ritual programs. According to people, this Shakti peetha is only one on Earth which is abode of Durga[5][circular reference]

Hajong Tradition[]

Hajong people practice Hinduism from long time. They worship specific Avatars(equivalent to Hindu deities). Ex.-

  • Lakshmi-Lukkhi Dyao
  • Vishnu-Bishnu Dyao
  • Shiv-Shib Dyao
  • Kartikeya-Katka Dyao

Dyao is derived from Sanskrit word- (देव Deva,modern Indian languages- Dev/Deo).

Rabha people[]

Rabha people's religious world is pervaded with various spirits and natural objects. The main deity of the Rabhas is called Rishi. Rishi, for the forest Rabhas as well as village Rabhas, is a male deity. He is also known as Mahakal. Forest Rabhas worship him in all important social and religious ceremonies.[6][clarification needed]

Demographics[]

Historical Hindu Population in Meghalaya
YearPop.±%
1981 240,831—    
1991 260,306+8.1%
2001 207,822−20.2%
2011 342,078+64.6%
Source: census of India[7][8]

Hinduism constituted 13.27 percent of Meghalaya's population in 2001 and it decreased to 11.53 percent in 2011. Hindus are mainly found in West Garo Hills district with 19%, East Khasi Hills District with 17.50% and the Ri-Bhoi District with 12%.[9] Hinduism is followed by 42% of the population of Shillong.[10]

Percentage in Groups[]

According to 2011 census there are 342,078 Hindus living in Meghalaya accounting constituting 11.53% of the state population after Christianity.[1] Hinduism is practiced by these following groups:-

  • Hajong people (31,381 – 97.23% Hindu),[11][circular reference]
  • Koch people (23,199 – 98.53% Hindu),[12]
  • Rajbongshi people[13][circular reference]
  • Rabha tribe (28,153 – 94.60% Hindu),
  • Karbi People (Mikir people). (14,380 – 52% Christian and 30% Hindu),
  • Nepali people (54,716 - 80%-90% Hindu 10%-20% Buddhist),
  • Bengali people (232,525 - 60%-55% Hindu, 40%-45% Muslim).
  • Punjabi people (4,540 - 65%-70% Sikh, 30%-35% Hindu)
  • Marwari people (20,251 - 70%-80% Hindu, 20%-30% Jain)
  • Bihari people (42,654 - 70%-80% Hindu, 20%-30% Muslim)
  • Pnar people (Jaintia people).

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b c "Population by religion community – 2011". Census of India, 2011. The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Archived from the original on 18 March 2020.
  2. ^ Das, Manosh (15 October 2010). "Lofty Himalayas notwithstanding, the tribal people of Nartiang in the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya truly believe that their scenic little hamlet is the "permanent abode" of Goddess Durga. Perched atop a hillock is the more than 600-year old and ancient Durgabari - a simple house made of stones and wood complete with tin roofing. Revered as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, the temple has been drawing a large number of pilgrims from all over the country on occasion of Durga Puja. - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 December 2019.
  3. ^ "Cultural festival of Meghalaya | Vedic Culture". Hindu Scriptures | Vedic lifestyle, Scriptures, Vedas, Upanishads, Itihaas, Smrutis, Sanskrit. 2018-02-18. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
  4. ^ "Behdienkhlam festival | Culture in Meghalaya | Times of India Travel". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
  5. ^ "Nartiang Durga Temple - Wikipedia". en.m.wikipedia.org. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
  6. ^ Karlsson 2000, p. 162
  7. ^ http://gbpihedenvis.nic.in/District%20wise%20Religious%20Population%20%20of%20Meghalaya-2001.html
  8. ^ http://lsi.gov.in › bitstreamPDF Religion, Part IV-B (ii), Series-16, Meghalaya
  9. ^ "Hindu population comes down in Meghalaya". Times of India. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
  10. ^ "Shillong Metropolitan Urban Region Population 2011 Census". www.census2011.com.
  11. ^ "Hajong Hinduism - Wikipedia". en.m.wikipedia.org. Retrieved 2020-03-09.
  12. ^ Project, Joshua. "Koch (Hindu traditions) in India". joshuaproject.net. Retrieved 2020-03-09.
  13. ^ "Rajbongshi people - Wikipedia". en.m.wikipedia.org. Retrieved 2020-03-09.
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