Bhin in India
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Bhin |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 1,600 |
| World Population: | 1,600 |
| Primary Language: | Bengali |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 8.15 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Hindu - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Bhin are Bengali-speaking people located mainly in India’s eastern state of Tripura.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Not enough is known about the Bhin to accurately place them in the caste system; thus, their specific lifestyle and culture cannot be adequately described. There is a need for further research to identify their needs and to develop strategies for reaching them with the gospel.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Bhin are predominantly ethnic religionists, following their ancient traditions and religions. Their religion is primarily animistic; they believe that living things and inanimate objects have a soul or spirit. Many of the Bhin are also involved in ancestor worship. They believe that the spirits of deceased ancestors are alive and need to be fed and tended. These spirits must be properly appeased, or they will become hungry and dissatisfied and become evil spirits.
Hinduism has strongly influenced the Bhin, and many of their religious practices have become mixed with Hindu beliefs. The majority of Hindus, but not all, believe in a supreme being. Some respect all life and eat only vegetables, while others will gladly eat meat from sacrifices in the temple. Their religion is highly personal; to some; others, it is impersonal. While most Hindus worship Brahman (the creator), Shiva (the destroyer), Vishnu (the preserver), and the goddess Shaktri, they also worship a pantheon of other minor gods, their incarnations, spouses, or offspring. A belief in reincarnation (continuous cycle of death and rebirth) is one of the few unifying features of Hinduism.
What Are Their Needs?
Like most animistic peoples, the Bhin live in fear of their many gods. Few have ever heard a clear presentation of the gospel message, and still fewer have decided for Christ. The Bhin people need full-time workers, Christian media and fervent intercessors to have a chance to come to a saving knowledge of Christ.
Prayer Points
Ask the Lord of the harvest to send dedicated workers to live and work among the Bhin.
Ask the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of the Bhin so they will be receptive to the gospel.
Ask the Lord to save key leaders among the Bhin who will disciple others.
Ask God to raise up prayer teams who will begin breaking up the soil through intercession.