Singbonga

Singbonga
God of creation and preservation
Affiliation	Sarna Dharam
Mantra	Sirma redo Singbonga, Singbongae elang tana....
Symbol	The Sun
Festivals	Sarhul, Sohrai, Mage Parab, etc.

Singbonga is a deity worshipped primarily by the tribal communities in the Indian state of Jharkhand and the neighboring regions of West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar. ^{[1] [2]} Revered as the supreme god by the Ho, Munda, Bhumij, and Santhal tribes, Singbonga represents the sun god and is associated with light, life, and fertility. ^{[3] [4]} His worship is an integral part of the tribal religious practices and rituals, often celebrated with grandeur and devotion. ^{[5] [6]}

In some tribal communities, a sacred tree or a stone may serve as his symbol, marking places of worship or ritual importance.

Etymology

The name Singbonga is derived from two words: Sing meaning "sun" and Bonga meaning "god" or "deity" in the Munda languages. ^[7] The term symbolizes the Sun God, regarded as a life-giving force that controls various aspects of nature, agriculture, and wellbeing. ^[8]

Description

Singbonga is believed to be the creator of the universe and is seen as a powerful force that governs both the natural and spiritual worlds. ^[9] According to tribal mythology, Singbonga created the world and all its inhabitants. He is often depicted as a benevolent and just god who sustains the balance of nature. The sun, being a vital aspect of life, is his earthly manifestation. As a protector of crops, animals, and people, Singbonga is called upon for blessings of good harvests, health, and prosperity.

References

1. "Kol-Tribe-Of-Jharkhand – Kol Tribe" . Retrieved 2024-08-02.
2. "Tribes We Serve - RAMAKRISHNA MISSION ASHRAMA". jhargram.rkmm.org. Retrieved 2024-08-02.
3. "The Munda People: Indigenous Governance and Community Life in Jharkhand - historified". 2024-05-06. Retrieved 2024-08-02.
4. Frazer, James George (1926). The Worship of Nature. Macmillan.
5. Huda, Md Shaiful (2021-09-02), The Mundas: an ethnic community in the south-west coastal region of Bangladesh (Buno/kuli/Sarna/Horoko, Indigenous people during the British period coming from Ranchi)., doi: 10.33774/coe-2021-m0qws , retrieved 2024-08-02
6. "Asur". Tribal Welfare Research Institute Jharkhand. Retrieved 2024-08-02.
7. SAURABH, SAKET SUMAN (2017). "THE MAYANS OF GUATEMALA AND THE MUNDA TRIBALS OF JHARKHAND: RACE, RITES AND RITUALS AND UNDERSTANDING GLOBALIZATION". Readings through the Texts of Rigoberta Menchú and Dayamani Barla: A Comparative Study. CLACSO. pp. 49–62 [53-54]. doi:10.2307/j.ctv253f66w.8.
8. SINGH, K. S. (1992). "Solar Traditions in Tribal and Folk Cultures of India". India International Centre Quarterly. 19 (4): 28–39 [31-32]. JSTOR   23004006.. Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.
9. "Culture & Heritage | District Khunti, Government of Jharkhand | India" . Retrieved 2024-08-02.

• SINGH, K. S. (1992). "Solar Traditions in Tribal and Folk Cultures of India". India International Centre Quarterly. 19 (4): 28–39 [31-33]. JSTOR   23004006. Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.

Further reading

• Exem, Albert Van (1978). "Haram and Singbonga. The Concept of the Supreme Being According to Munda Mythology". In P. Ponette (ed.). The Munda World. Ranchi. pp. 81–115.
• SINGH, K. S. (1992). "The Munda Epic: An Interpretation". India International Centre Quarterly. 19 (1/2): 75–89. JSTOR   23002221. Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.