Rajbansi (Hindu traditions) in Bangladesh

People Name:	Rajbansi (Hindu traditions)
Country:	Bangladesh
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	1,621,000
World Population:	7,425,000
Primary Language:	Bengali
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.65 %
Evangelicals:	0.33 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Dalit - Rajbansi
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Rajbansi are an agricultural, indigenous people who live mainly in India and Bangladesh though a smaller number live in Nepal and Bhutan. The Rajbansi claim to be descendants of the kings of the Koch dynasties that ruled Bengali lands in the 16th century.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The primary languages of the Rajbansi are Bengali, Rangpuri and Hindi. Many of the Rajbansi are unable to read and write. Their culture is passed by oral tradition using songs, dances, music and poetry. Some Rajbansi have attended universities and become leading politicians and athletes. Most Rajbansi still live in rural villages surrounded by their farmland. Each family owns its small plot of land. Wet rice is the leading crop followed by vegetables, maize, potatoes and wheat. Families also raise goats, chickens, and sheep for sale and food. Fish also make up a big part of their diet. As Hindus the Rajbansi do not eat beef. Men and women have separate roles. The men cultivate the land and take care of the animals while the women have domestic responsibilities. Families arrange marriages with the group. Newly wedded couples live with or near the groom's parents. Sons inherit property. Village elders and priests perform important family ceremonies such as births, weddings and funerals. Some Rajbansi are moving to the cities in order to obtain a better education for their children and for new economic opportunities. Urban Rajbansi work in factories, construction and in the fishing trade.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Rajbansi practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of the Indian subcontinent. Their Hindu faith comes with a strong element of animism. They worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Hindus believe that by performing rituals and good works that they will attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The Rajbansi visit Hindu shrines and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. The Rajbansi believe that spirits inhabit the objects of nature such as mountains, rivers, trees and rocks. They fear offending these spirits and perform rituals to appease them. The main yearly holidays of the Rajbansi people are 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 caste system divides Hindus into four main categories. The lowest communities are outside of the caste system. As a tribal people, the Rajbansi are outside of the caste system and face discrimination.

What Are Their Needs?

The Rajbansi need to learn new job skills and how to read and write. Their children need good schools in order to improve their place in Bangladeshi society. Most of all the Rajbansi must hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. He can free them from their fear of natural spirits and forgive their sins.

Prayer Points

Pray that Bangladeshi believers will befriend the Rajbansi and tell them about the Savior. Pray that gospel radio programs and gospel recordings will lead them to the only Savior. Pray for a Holy Spirit empowered discipleship making movement to Christ among them. Ask God to raise up prayer teams who will begin breaking up the soil through intercession.