West Bengal is the home of almost three million Hindu Pod people. They prefer to be called Poundra. Their name means lotus. These Dalits are divided into a number of clans. They are Bengali speakers who live primarily in India. A smaller number live in Bangladesh.

The majority live by farming small tracts of land. Some of them own their own land. The landless among them work in other occupations such as fishing, carpentry and bamboo work. Education has become important to them, and they work hard so their children can attend school.

The Pod people practice Hinduism, which has affected religious beliefs throughout South Asia, even in Muslim countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions, 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.

The Pod people need to submit to Jesus Christ so they can experience the abundant life He offers them in John 10:10.

* Scripture Prayers for the Pod in Bangladesh.

Pray that Christian Dalits will begin a disciple making movement among the Pods in India and Bangladesh. Pray that Christian literature will be provided as their literacy is increasing. May Pod extended families soon experience and embrace God's gift of salvation. Pray for a spiritual hunger that will lead the Pod community to seek and find Christ.