 Flag of Sarnaism | |
 The Sarnaism Symbol used by Santals | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| c. 5 million[1] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 India | |
| Jharkhand | 4,131,282[2] |
| Odisha | 403,350[2] |
| West Bengal | 403,250[2] |
| Bihar | 10,407[2] |
| Chhatisgarh | 8,057[2] |
Sarnaism is a religious faith of the Indian subcontinent, predominantly followed by indigenous communities of Chota Nagpur Plateau region across states like Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh.[3][4]
The essence of the Sarna faith revolves around Nature worship. Its core principles emphasize jal (water), jaṅgal (forest) and jamīn (land), with adherents offering prayers to trees and hills while believing in the protection of forests.[3] This belief centers around the reverence of Sarna, the sacred groves of village communities where the village deity, known as Gram deoti resides, and where sacrificial offerings are made twice a year. It is also referred to as "Sarna Dharma" or the "Religion of the Holy Woods",[5][6] and it holds the distinction of being India's largest tribal religion.[1]
- ^ a b Kramer, Stephanie (September 21, 2021). Religious Composition of India (PDF) (Report). Pew Research Center. p. 21. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 2, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e "C-01 Appendix: Details of religious community shown under 'Other religions and persuasions' in main table C01 - 2011". Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India.
- ^ a b "Explained: What Is The Sarna Religious Code And What Are Its Followers Demanding?". outlook india. 18 October 2022. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ "Religious Complexity in Northeastern South Asia". GeoCurrents. 29 October 2015. Retrieved 2021-10-21.
- ^ Minahan 2012
- ^ "In India, Believers in an Ancient Indigenous Faith Seek Formal Recognition". Los Angeles Times.