Introduction / History

The Banka live in Odisha. They speak, read and write in Oriya, the language of Odisha.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Banka people work in agriculture or as day laborers. They have a council to look after their needs. They want their children to be educated but find it difficult financially. They use both traditional and modern medicines.

The Banka allow marriages between cousins. The divorced can marry again if approved by the elders. The bereaved are allowed to marry again. On the death of the father, sons inherit the property with the oldest son becoming the new family patriarch.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Banka 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.

What Are Their Needs?

The Banka people need the abundant life that only Jesus offers. As it stands, they are content with a religious system without a sin-free savior who loves them.

Prayer Points

Pray that the council leaders come to Jesus Christ and lead their community into a relationship with Jesus Christ, the only Savior. Pray that gospel recordings and the JESUS Film will become easily available to them. Pray that the Banka families can afford to have their children educated in schools.

Scripture Prayers for the Banka in India.