Introduction / History

The Bansphor name comes partly from the word Bans meaning bamboo and phorna, meaning to split. By tradition they make bamboo products for use in the home. They are also called Banbasi. The Bansphor are a scheduled caste which means their status is low but not the lowest by any means. They live in Uttar Pradesh. The languages spoken by them are Hindi, Kari Boli and Awadhi.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Bansphor sell the bamboo furniture they make at markets. Some of the Bansphor do agricultural work while others have moved to other parts of India to do general labor. In general they are not very well off financially. The Bansphor are supposed to a branch of the Dom people group. Many live in Farrukhabad and in Awadh. The Bansphor are endogamous so they only marry within their own community. They live in villages that are multi caste ones but have their own homes. There are caste councils among them called panchayats who deal with local matters and settle disagreements.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Hanuman is their favorite Hindu god. Hanuman has the face of a monkey, and he is considered by Hindus to be a great warrior.

What Are Their Needs?

The Bansphor community needs to taste and see that the Lord is good, allowing His Son to bless them in every way.

Prayer Points

Pray that their financial situation will improve. Pray that God will give the Bansphor spiritual discernment and a desire to find truth. Pray for intercessors and workers. Pray for a disciple making movement to flourish among them this decade.

Scripture Prayers for the Bansphor (Hindu traditions) in India.