TREE WORSHIP AND RELIGIOUS BEHAVIOUR IN TRIBAL SOCIETIES: A SOCIOLOGICAL OVERVIEW

Tree veneration carries deep importance within the spiritual, religious and cultural frameworks of tribal communities, where nature is honored not just as a source of materials, but as a vital force woven into the essence of social and spiritual existence. This paper delves into the sociological aspects of tree veneration as a crucial dimension of religious practices among tribal groups, highlighting its influence in cultivating group identity, fostering social unity, and promoting ecological awareness with folk religion activities. Various tribal factions throughout India and elsewhere have customarily assigned sacred significance to particular trees, including the banyan, sal, neem, and peepal, frequently linking them to ancestral spirits, deities, or natural phenomena. These folk traditions are not standalone practices. They are intricately integrated into the community’s kinship networks, seasonal rhythms, and ethical principles. Tree worship folk functions as a cultural tool that aids in the preservation and transmission of collective memories and oral histories. It also directs social behavior, often shaping how communities engage with their environment sustainably. Viewed through a Durkheimian perspective, tree worship represents an expression of collective consciousness, where the sacred symbolizes group unity. From a sociological functionalist standpoint, these rituals contribute to preserving social order and ecological equilibrium. This analysis draws on field studies and secondary sources to illuminate the similarities and differences in tree worship practices across malda tribal cultures. It further addresses the challenges posed by modernization, deforestation, and cultural assimilation that jeopardize the survival of these indigenous belief systems. In conclusion, the examination emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and safeguarding tribal religious customs not merely as cultural relics.