Religious Beliefs and Practices among the Meche Community of Eastern Tarai, Nepal

Type Journal Article - South Asian Anthropologist
Title Religious Beliefs and Practices among the Meche Community of Eastern Tarai, Nepal
Author(s)
Volume 15
Issue 2
Page numbers 145-149
URL http://www.mukpublications.com/resources/vol15-2-7.pdf
Abstract
Meche community lives in Jhapa district of eastern Nepal and considered
as endangered ethnic group with a total population of 4867. The Meche and Bodo of Assam of
India are considered as of same ethnic group. They have an egalitarian society without any
class or caste system but maintain gotras or septs. They are followers of the Hindu religion and
worship the God Shiva. The God Shiva is represented by a Seudi plant which is planted in the
north eastern side of courtyard. The sacred plant is called Bathau, a representative of the Shiva
and worship the Bathau in every household. The Meche people believe, the universe is inhabited
by numerous invisible supernatural beings and powers which always influence their daily
activities. They worship house, celestial bodies (sky), forests, rivers, lands, birds and animals
considering as abodes of supernatural beings and powers. Traditionally they worship by
sacrificing animals but nowadays many households offer fruits instead of animal sacrifice.

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