Meena ethnic religion

Meena ethnic religion is an indigenous religion among the Meena community in the eastern parts of Rajasthan and northern parts of Madhya Pradesh, and is largely a sub-part of Hindu culture. The Meena associate with Matsya avatar, one of the incarnations (dashavatara) of the Hindu deity Vishnu. The Meena of Gujarat state are Muslim and termed miyana, while Hindu Meenas are known as miana. They are classified in the "other backward caste" category of the Indian caste system (Data-Entry no 49 in state obc list).[3]

Meena ethnic religion
Meena peoples.
Total population
5 million[1]
           Rajasthan,43,45,528[2]

The Meena have been worshiping trees and plants for centuries as their totem trees.[4] This includes worshipping and protecting trees during various cultural festivals and the worshipping of cows ox buffalos , especially during the festival of Diwali, which occurs just after the harvest season, out of respect for their important role in local agriculture-based economy.

Traditions

This religion stems from the Dharadi tradition, which in practices showing love to various forms of nature. The Meenas have been the guardians of the forest. On the basis of the customs of the ancestors, the practice of worshiping the Dharadi trees within Meena ethnic religion is going on at the time of marriage.[4]

Modern period

The Meenas are part of larger Hindu culture, revering the Trimurti and its different incarnations as well as the Hindu goddess Ambika. Meena also worship their local deities depending on their gotha (linage) and kola (family or clan).[5]

The Meenas are firm believers and protectors of Hindu culture in eastern Rajasthan and the Chambal Bundelkhand Malwa parts of Madhya Pradesh. The continue to advocate for their ethnic beliefs, which were part of larger Aanatan culture throughout the rule of Muslim Invaders and later during British period.[6]

See also

References
  1. "Will the tribals get their separate religion code, Jharkhand's proposal is now with the Modi government".
  2. "censusindia" (PDF).
  3. "केंद्रीय अन्य पिछड़ा वर्ग सूची". social justice . National Commission for Backward Classes. Archived from the original on 23 February 2022. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
  4. Meena, Professor (5 May 2020). "Sociolinguistic Study of Meena / Mina Tribe In comparison to other Tribes of Rajasthan". 67: 45–58. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  5. "BJP MP held for disturbing peace after hoisting community flag at Rajasthan fort". Hindustan Times. 1 August 2021. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
  6. "'Trying to Hinduise us'— How Jaipur fort became flashpoint between tribal Meenas & Hindu groups". ThePrint. 20 August 2021. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
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