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<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Short description|Deity of the Ho, Bhumij, Santal, Munda, Asur and Birhor tribes}}<br />
{{Infobox deity<br />
| type = Sarnaist<br />
| deity_of = God of creation and preservation<br />
| affiliation = [[Sarnaism|Sarna Dharam]]<br />
| festivals = [[Sarhul]], [[Sohrai]], [[Mage Parab]], etc.<br />
| symbol = The Sun<br />
| other_names = <br />
| mantra = Sirma redo Singbonga,<br />
Singbongae elang tana....<br />
}}<br />
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'''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]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kol-Tribe-Of-Jharkhand – Kol Tribe |url=https://koltribe.in/kol-tribe-of-jharkhand/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tribes We Serve - RAMAKRISHNA MISSION ASHRAMA |url=https://jhargram.rkmm.org/tribes-we-serve |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=jhargram.rkmm.org |language=en-US}}</ref> Revered as the supreme god by the [[Ho people|Ho]], [[Munda people|Munda]], [[Bhumij people|Bhumij]], and [[Santal people|Santhal]] tribes, Singbonga represents the sun god and is associated with light, life, and fertility.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-06 |title=The Munda People: Indigenous Governance and Community Life in Jharkhand - historified |url=https://historified.in/2024/05/06/the-munda-people-indigenous-governance-and-community-life-in-jharkhand/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Frazer |first=James George |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cn0IAQAAIAAJ&q=sing+bonga |title=The Worship of Nature |date=1926 |publisher=Macmillan |language=en}}</ref> His worship is an integral part of the tribal religious practices and rituals, often celebrated with grandeur and devotion.<ref>{{Citation |last=Huda |first=Md Shaiful |title=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). |date=2021-09-02 |url=https://www.cambridge.org/engage/coe/article-details/61212bf051cfec18099707b4 |access-date=2024-08-02 |language=en |doi=10.33774/coe-2021-m0qws|doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Asur |url=https://www.trijharkhand.in/en/asur |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=Tribal Welfare Research Institute Jharkhand |language=en}}</ref><br />
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In some tribal communities, a sacred tree or a stone may serve as his symbol, marking places of worship or ritual importance.<br />
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==Etymology==<br />
The name Singbonga is derived from two words: ''Sing'' meaning "sun" and ''Bonga'' meaning "god" or "deity" in the [[Munda languages]].<ref>{{cite book |last=SAURABH |first=SAKET SUMAN |chapter=THE MAYANS OF GUATEMALA AND THE MUNDA TRIBALS OF JHARKHAND: RACE, RITES AND RITUALS AND UNDERSTANDING GLOBALIZATION |title=Readings through the Texts of Rigoberta Menchú and Dayamani Barla: A Comparative Study |pages=49–62 [53-54] |publisher=CLACSO |date=2017 |doi=10.2307/j.ctv253f66w.8}}</ref> The term symbolizes the [[Sun God]], regarded as a life-giving force that controls various aspects of nature, agriculture, and wellbeing.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=SINGH |first=K. S. |title=Solar Traditions in Tribal and Folk Cultures of India |journal=India International Centre Quarterly |volume=19 |issue=4 |date=1992 |pages=28–39 [31-32] |jstor=23004006}}. Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.</ref><br />
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==Description==<br />
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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Culture & Heritage {{!}} District Khunti, Government of Jharkhand {{!}} India |url=https://khunti.nic.in/culture-heritage/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |language=en-AU}}</ref> 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.<br />
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== References ==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
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* {{Cite journal |last=SINGH |first=K. S. |title=Solar Traditions in Tribal and Folk Cultures of India |journal=India International Centre Quarterly |volume=19 |issue=4 |date=1992 |pages=28–39 [31-33] |jstor=23004006}} Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.<br />
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==Further reading==<br />
* {{cite book |last=Exem |first=Albert Van |chapter=Haram and Singbonga. The Concept of the Supreme Being According to Munda Mythology |editor=P. Ponette |title=The Munda World |location=Ranchi |date=1978 |pages=81-115}}<br />
* {{Cite journal |last=SINGH |first=K. S. |title=The Munda Epic: An Interpretation |journal=India International Centre Quarterly |volume=19 |issue=1/2 |date=1992 |pages=75–89 |jstor=23002221}} Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.<br />
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[[Category:Santhal]]<br />
[[Category:Indian deities]]<br />
[[Category:Sacred groves]]</div>MerryK8896455