Reclaiming The Identity of Sabars

For a long time, there has been a strong belief that Lord Jagannath is the primitive deity of the Sabar community. Many historical incidents, folk traditions, and writings support this belief, and it has been deeply rooted in the faith and cultural practices of the Sabar people. Although the Sabar community has traditionally worshipped Lord Jagannath with devotion, mainstream society did not accept their religious association.

Over the years, Paschim Banga Kheria Sabar Kalyan Samity (PBKSKS) has consistently highlighted this historical and cultural truth through its writings, articles, documentation, and awareness initiatives. In the book “শবর লোকগান ও লোককথা (Edited by Mahasweta Debi, written by Prasanta Rakshit, published by Sahitya Academy, New Delhi)” clearly said that Lord Jagannath is a God deeply connected to the Sabar community’s primitive and indigenous heritage.

As a result of the sustained efforts of PBKSKS, a gradual change in societal perception has become visible. In the current year, the Hura Jagannath Mandir Committee invited members of the Sabar community from Manguria village to participate in religious rituals before the Puja. This invitation marked a major step toward social acceptance of the Sabar community. Most notably, the sacred “Snan Yatra” or bath ritual of Lord Jagannath Dev was performed by the Sabars of Manguria village, an act that symbolized recognition, honour, and respect from the wider society.

This incident stands as strong evidence that people are now acknowledging the truth that Jagannath Dev is the primitive deity of the Sabar community. The participation of Sabars in temple rituals reflects a breaking of social barriers and a growing acceptance of the Sabar community by other social groups. This transformation is the result of continuous writing, awareness and efforts to improve the overall lifestyle of the Sabar community by PBKSKS. The harmful labels of “inborn criminal” and “forest dwellers,” which once defined the community in the eyes of society, are gradually being erased. Today, Sabars are increasingly being recognized as equal citizens and are finding their place in mainstream society. This milestone is a significant success of PBKSKS.