 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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