Though the Sunri people have several subgroups, one of their branches is called Shaha Banik. In 1931 the British-India government officially declared they were higher in the caste system then other Sunri. Even today this still allows them to receive more social benefits which causes resentment among other Sunri subgroups.
They reside primarily in the states of West Bengal and Bihar.
Most earn their living through farming, trade, fishing, and being household service workers. They have made good progress in the field of education. All Sunri subgroups are tightly connected to their Hindu beliefs, and there are apparently only a few believers among them.
Sunri worship gods of the Hindu pantheon.
The Sunri 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.
They need the Holy Spirit to open their eyes so they can see Jesus as he is.
Pray for the Lord to call Sunri people to his side and give them a hunger for truth.
Pray that low caste Christians and other believers will lead each Sunri subgroup into a lasting disciple making movement.
Pray that many will come to know that in God's eyes they are equal among all men, and He loves them all the same.
Scripture Prayers for the Sunri (Hindu traditions) in India.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
