Introduction / History

The Bhoi community is mainly a landowning one, but a few are landless.

What Are Their Lives Like?

A Brahmin priest officiates at marriages. At the wedding, the bride and groom walk around the fire seven times. They work in temples and are therefore accorded a high status in society.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Bhoi people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. They visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. There are other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins. Almost all Hindus participate in yearly celebrations like Holi, the festival of colors and the start of spring / Diwali, the festival of lights / Navratri, the celebration of autumn / and Rama Navami, Rama's birthday.

What Are Their Needs?

Bhoi families and communities need deliverance from fears that hinder them from embracing Christ's blessings. Nominal Christians who don't truly follow Christ's teachings may be an impediment to the Bhoi. Pray they will be able to see that there is a difference between disciples of Christ and those who are Christian only in name.

Prayer Points

Every house has an altar to Manasamata. Beside this, there are images of Khandoba and a few other gods and goddesses. Every family has a number of deities.

Scripture Prayers for the Bhoi (Hindu traditions) in Bangladesh.