The prevalent Andaman and Nicobar Islands religion is termed animism. According to this religion of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the only deity responsible for everything that happens on earth is Paluga.
The tribal people belonging to this religion at Andaman and Nicobar Islands believe that Paluga once used to reside at the highest mountain peak of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, that is the Saddle Peak. But, this deity of the animistic religion in Andaman and Nicobar Islands presently dwells high up in the sky.
The followers of this religion generally avoid any action that might displease him. They are afraid that if Paluga gets angry with the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, then he might cause harm to the jungles, the main source of livelihood of these hunting and gathering people.
The religion of animism at Andaman and Nicobar Islands is based on the belief in the existence of souls, ghosts and spirits. This religion stresses on the existence of evil spirits in the sea, the wood, ancestors and diseases. According to popular belief, one should try and avoid any deed that might enrage these spirits. This primitive religion claims that as soon as a person dies, his or her soul gets detached from the body and the person becomes a ghost.
A follower of this religion does not believe in the grandeur and ceremony associated with worship and placation. The people of these islands do not believe in the concept of hell and heaven and religious resurrection. They give a lot of importance to dreams and they let their dreams control the subsequent actions that they take in life.
The other Andaman and Nicobar Islands religions include Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Budhism, Sikhism and Jainism.
Last Updated on: 2nd April 2013
