Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Aug 1, 2026

Singbonga

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. 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. His worship is an integral part of the tribal religious practices and rituals, often celebrated with grandeur and devotion.

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Singbonga
God of creation and preservation
AffiliationSarna Dharam
MantraSirma redo Singbonga, Singbongae elang tana....
SymbolThe Sun
FestivalsSarhul, 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.12 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.34 His worship is an integral part of the tribal religious practices and rituals, often celebrated with grandeur and devotion.56

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

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

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.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  • SINGH, K. S. (1992). "The Munda Epic: An Interpretation". India International Centre Quarterly. 19 (1/2): 75–89. JSTOR 23002221. Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.