A GLANCE AT THE ROLE OF FOLK RELIGION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PEOPLE

When religion is an inseparable aspect of the social and cultural life of people, it must be appropriated into the development framework to ensure their well-being, harmonious life, and sustainability. Keeping away from the rationalistic perspective on religion as well as the negative aspects of the creation of conflicts and tension, this study tries to look at religion as having the potential to address various problems associated with development in its broadest terms. Particularly, this article focuses on the role, nature and vitality of folk religion and its relevance for the implementation of development initiatives for the well-being of different communities. It highlights the fact that as everyday village life is shaped by their perception and worldview shaped by their religious ideas and practices and also encumbered with their religious experiences at individual and collective levels, the relationship between the uncodified folk religion and the social, cultural and economic development of community the development could be undoubtedly explored.