Introduction / History

The Koiri people have always engaged in agriculture. Most people live in India, but smaller numbers are in Nepal and Bangladesh.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The majority of the Koiri are engaged in their traditional occupation of agriculture. They have a good reputation as excellent farmers, and they have adopted modern farming methods resulting in great harvests. Some are now landowners.

What Are Their Beliefs?

These Hindus believe they are the descendants of Kush, one of the twin sons of lord Rama. They receive the services of a Brahmin priest, who officiates over their life-cycle rituals and religious ceremonies.

The Koiri are somewhat receptive to the gospel and a move of Christ is starting among them. Several thousand Koiri are following Christ and village house churches are being formed and Koiri leadership developing. The Koiri are engaged by a number of mission agencies and churches and are in the process of being reached.

What Are Their Needs?

Nominal Christians, whether in India or in the West, may have negatively influenced the Koiri's perception of what it means to be a follower of Christ. There is a need for sustained, focused prayer to open the eyes of the Koiri community to their need for Jesus Christ, the giver of life.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Christian believers among the Koiri community, that they will have a strong and faithful testimony for the Lord and will honor him with their lives. Pray for God's blessing, strengthening and healing of families and communities within Koiri people through the abundant life Jesus offers to all who call on His name. Pray they will increasingly hunger to know forgiveness for their sins and the new life offered through faith in Jesus Christ. Pray for workers.

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