Khasi in Bangladesh

Khasi
Photo Source:  Anonymous 
Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Khasi
Country: Bangladesh
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 24,000
World Population: 1,429,000
Primary Language: War-Jaintia
Primary Religion: Christianity
Christian Adherents: 98.48 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Translation Started
Ministry Resources: No
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: No
People Cluster: South Asia Tribal - other
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Khasi people live in the Khasi and Jaintia hills of Meghalaya. Khasi is a generic name given to various tribes and sub-tribes who live there. They had migrated from the Southeast Asia to the hills of northeast India. They have a number of clans such as Lyngdoh, Diengdoh, Marbaniang, Shiemliah, Lapang and Songkali. Their mother tongue is either Khasi or War-Jaintia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They are divided into several matrilineal clans such as Mawlong, Khongweer and Symley. The youngest daughter inherits the ancestral property and daughters are given preference in the division of property while males can own only self-acquired property. Even Christians are known to pass down their ancestral property through the female line.

Khasi women enjoy a high social status and play a significant role in socio-economic matters and household management. Many Khasi have taken up professions in civil services and in industries besides agriculture. Western music and musical instruments are becoming popular among them.

What Are Their Beliefs?

A vast majority of the Khasis are Christians while there are also some groups of Hindu and Muslim among them. The Khasi Muslims came from the other states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.

What Are Their Needs?

The Khasi people need to take what they have learned about the risen Christ and spread his fragrance to the peoples around them.

Prayer Points

Pray for Khasi Christian believers to disciple Muslims in their area.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to abundantly bless Khasi fellowships in Bangladesh.
Pray that the sheer wonder of knowing Jesus and the impact he has on their lives and the joy he brings spur believers to share Christ with the Khasi people.

Text Source:   Joshua Project