Truth is the highest religion, and love is the purest prayer.
History Of Matua Community
Harichand Thakur – The Founder
Born in 1812 in Safaldanga village, Faridpur district, Bengal Presidency (now in Bangladesh), Harichand Thakur was the founder of the Matua sect.
He was born into the Namasudra (then Chandala) community, which was oppressed and excluded from mainstream Hindu society.
Harichand experienced divine realization and began preaching a message of truth, equality, and devotion to God (Hari Bhakti).
He rejected idol worship, ritualism, and caste discrimination, emphasizing simple living, morality, and chanting the name of God (Harinaam).
He advocated for the dignity and upliftment of all, especially the socially disadvantaged.
The term “Matua” comes from the Bengali word “matoyara”, meaning “to be absorbed in devotion.”
Spread and Social Reform
Guruchand Thakur – The Reformer
After Harichand’s death in 1878, his son Guruchand Thakur carried forward the movement.
Guruchand is remembered for transforming Matua Dharma into a social reform movement.
He promoted modern education, women’s rights, and social awareness.
He encouraged Matuas to go to school, educate their children, and stand against oppression and untouchability.
He worked to give a strong identity and voice to the Namasudras, who were later listed as Scheduled Castes under Indian law.
Partition and Migration
The Partition of India in 1947 had a major impact on the Matua community.
A large number of Matuas migrated from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) to West Bengal, particularly in districts like North 24 Parganas, Nadia, South 24 Parganas, and Cooch Behar.
The migrants faced many challenges but continued to follow the teachings of Harichand-Guruchand and built their community.
Thakurnagar and Boro Maa
In West Bengal, Thakurnagar (in North 24 Parganas) became the headquarters of the Matua Mahasangha.
The community was guided by Binapani Devi, also known as “Boro Maa”, the wife of Pramatha Ranjan Thakur (descendant of Harichand Thakur).
Boro Maa became a spiritual and social icon, leading the community and spreading Matua identity.
Under her leadership, Matua conventions (Mahamelas) and religious festivals attracted lakhs of followers.
Religious Beliefs and Practices
Matuas believe in equality, devotion, and humanitarian values.
They worship Harichand Thakur as an incarnation of God.
The core practice is chanting “Harinaam” (the name of Hari or God).
They reject casteism, idol worship, and excessive rituals.
The motto of the Matua religion is:
“Truth, Love, and Equality.”
Political and Social Importance
In modern times, the Matua community has emerged as a powerful political force, particularly in West Bengal.
Due to their significant population, political parties seek their support during elections.
The demand for Indian citizenship for Matua refugees from Bangladesh has become a key political issue.
Several leaders from the community have entered politics to represent Matua interests.
Matua Mahasangha
- Matua Mahasangha is a religious reformation movement that originated, around 1860 AD, in modern-day Bangladesh, with a considerable number of Supporters both in Bangladesh and in West Bengal of India.
- The movement was launched as a reformation by the followers of Harichand Thakur. Thakur attained atma darshan at an early age and would subsequently preach his Darshan in Twelve Commandments.
- The teachings of Thakur establish education as an important tool for the upliftment of the population, while also providing a formula for ending social conflict.
- Matua-mahasangha believes in Swayam-Dikshiti (“Self-Realisation”) through the chanting of Harinaam, i.e., chanting the Holy name of God Hari.
- Harichand stressed the congressional chanting of Lord’s name kirtan as the sole means to Mukti.
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