Why in the News?
The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, K T Parnaik, extended greetings to the people of the state and followers of the Donyi Polo faith on the occasion of Donyi Polo Day. The day serves as a reminder to preserve, protect, and proudly promote the region’s age-old cultural practices and indigenous traditions.
Cultural and Philosophical Significance of Donyi Polo Faith in Arunachal Pradesh:
- Arunachal Pradesh is home to a rich mosaic of indigenous faiths and cultural traditions, reflecting the deep-rooted civilisational heritage of the Eastern Himalayas.
- Among these traditions, the legacy of the Abo Tani people occupies a central place in the socio-cultural life of the state.
- Several tribes of Arunachal Pradesh regard themselves as the sons and daughters of Abo Tani, their revered ancestral forebear, and are united by:
- A shared lineage
- Common customs and rituals
- Strong and vibrant oral traditions
- Philosophically, the Donyi Polo faith is deeply rooted in:
- Reverence for nature
- Community harmony
- Strong moral and ethical values
- As a way of life, Donyi Polo emphasises balance, resilience, and unity, guiding social conduct and reinforcing sustainable coexistence between humans and nature.
About Donyi Polo:
- Firstly, Donyi Polo refers to the indigenous religion of an animistic and shamanic nature. It is practiced by the Tani and other Tibeto-Burman ethnic groups of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in Northeast India.
- In essence, the term “Donyi–Polo” literally means “Sun-Moon”, symbolising cosmic balance and the life-sustaining forces of nature.
- Historically, the name and organised identity of the religion emerged during its revitalisation and institutionalisation in the 1970s. It emerged in response to the growing influence of Christianity and the potential absorption into Hinduism.
- Golgi Bote Talom Rukbo is considered as the founder of Donyi Poloism. In 1978, Talom Rukbo initiated a revival movement to systematize indigenous worship practices among the Tani tribes.
- Subsequently, Donyi Polo evolved from a purely oral tradition into a congregational religious system. It introduced collective worship practices.
- Moreover, the religion developed ritual hymns, composed and sung in the Tani ritual language traditionally used by shamans.
- Over time, a formalised philosophy and theology took shape, providing structured explanations of cosmology, ethics, and the relationship between humans and nature.
- Additionally, Donyi Polo established a distinct iconography, including representations of deities and the construction of temples dedicated to worship.
- Notably, the pioneer of the revival movement was Talom Rukbo, who played a crucial role in systematising and promoting the religion.
- Donyi Polo shares cultural and spiritual affinities with related indigenous faiths such as Hemphu-Mukrang of the Karbi community and Nyezi-No of the Hruso tribe. It reflects a broader indigenous religious tradition of the region.
Significance of Donyi Polo Day:
- Cultural Preservation: Donyi Polo Day plays a vital role in safeguarding indigenous belief systems of Arunachal Pradesh. In Arunachal Pradesh, nearly 25% of Arunachal’s people continue to practice indigenous faith system. It is crucial especially at a time when tribal cultures face pressures from modernisation and external religious influences.
- Assertion of Indigenous Identity: It strengthens the distinct cultural identity of the Tani and other tribes, rooted in the ancestral legacy of Abo Tani.
- Promotion of Ecological Ethics: By emphasising reverence for the Sun (Donyi) and Moon (Polo), the faith underlines an eco-centric worldview and promotes environmental sustainability and harmony with nature.
- Social Cohesion and Moral Values: The philosophy of Donyi Polo promotes community harmony, ethical conduct, and collective responsibility. It contributes towards social stability and resilience in tribal societies.
- Constitutional and Governance Relevance: Recognition of Donyi Polo Day reflects India’s commitment to cultural pluralism and protection of indigenous traditions. It aligns with constitutional safeguards for cultural rights (Articles 29-30).
- Nation-Building Perspective: Observing Donyi Polo Day contributes to inclusive nation-building by recognising and respecting the cultural contributions of tribal communities within India’s civilisational framework.
- It emphasises on harmonious co-existence of humankind with nature, reflecting the core values of the indigenous faith.
Mains Practice Question:
Discuss the cultural and philosophical foundations of the Donyi Polo faith in Arunachal Pradesh. In this context, examine the significance of observing Donyi Polo Day in preserving indigenous traditions, promoting ecological ethics, and strengthening inclusive nation-building in India.
Source: Arunachal Times
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