Newah in Bangladesh

Introduction / History

The Newah people speak Newahi, a Tibeto-Burman language that has borrowed many words from Sanskrit, Maithili and Nepali. There are several dialects of Newahi, and it is written in the Devanagari script. Most also speak Nepali, both in Nepal where most of them live, but also in Bangladesh where they make up a small minority.

Newah society is traditionally a caste-based society (as in India) with distinct caste-systems being centered in each of the old royal cities (Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur). Traditionally intermarriage was largely restricted to one's fellow caste members and boys were expected to follow the occupation of their fathers. Today the modern economy means there is theoretically freedom to follow almost any trade but inter-caste marriage is still widely frowned upon if not seriously punished.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Many of the Newah are skillful merchants and traders. Others have found government jobs, and a few are farmers. Some of the farmers use tractors, but many still cultivate the land with short handled hoes called kus. Rice is the staple food of the Newah. They eat it with soup, vegetables and some meats.

Newah societies are patrilineal, which means that the line of descent is traced through the males. Members of the same family line generally worship the same gods. Marriages are almost always arranged by the parents, and they use a mediator to complete the formalities.

In their free time, the Newah people enjoy indoor sports and board games. These games often involve gambling. There are some outdoor sports like soccer, but this is usually limited to urban areas.

The artistic talents of the Newah are displayed in their sculptures and architecture. Inspired by Indian tradition, unique styles of palaces, temples, monasteries, fountains and residential buildings have developed. They are often decorated with wooden carvings and equipped with stone or metal sculptures. The walls are covered with religious paintings, scrolls and manuscripts. Drums, cymbals, and wind instruments are played during the religious festivals and rituals.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Some Newah are self-consciously Hindu and others self-consciously Buddhist but most Newahs would not recognize the distinction. For them it is more important to follow the traditions of the ancestors than it is to argue about religious affiliation or doctrine.

Newahs worship a multitude of gods, many of which are local gods and others of which are more clearly identified with Shiva. They also believe in the existence of demons, hostile spirits the dead, ghosts and witches. Traditional practices include the digu dya rituals, in which they feed frogs after rice planting. Cremation grounds, crossroads and huge stones are thought to be favorite haunting places. They believe diseases are caused by the ill will of the "mother goddess," witchcraft or evil spells. Treatments include reciting incantations, making offerings to the gods, and using herbs and other medicines. In Bangladesh there is also a Christian minority among them that can reach out to their neighbors and families.

What Are Their Needs?

The Newah people in Bangladesh have access to the Bible in their languages. They need someone to take Bibles, the JESUS Film and other gospel materials to them.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to call people who are willing to share Christ with the Newah.
Pray that God will give Newah believers boldness to share Christ with their own people.
Pray for Newah disciples who will make more disciples.
Ask the Lord to bring forth a strong and growing church planting movement to Christ among the Newah people in Bangladesh.

Text Source:   Joshua Project