Kanjar (Hindu traditions) in Bangladesh

People Name:	Kanjar (Hindu traditions)
Country:	Bangladesh
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	1,300
World Population:	242,800
Primary Language:	Bengali
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Dalit - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Kanjar people were labeled a "criminal tribe" during colonial rule, branded as such by their South Asian countrymen, and today they have been called the "most despicable" of all the people. Kanjars earned this poor reputation among their peers by prostituting their women and engaging in a variety of other illegal and illicit activities.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today the Kanjar people have low status. This is especially true since they are Hindus living in the Muslim country of Bangladesh.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Kanjar people in Bangladesh 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, they worship Bhavani and the goddess Prabha. They also invoke the powers of a "protector-exorcist" known as Syaanaa to keep evil spirits at bay, and regularly pay homage to their ancestors through prayer and the consumption of alcoholic beverages. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews.

What Are Their Needs?

The Bible, audio, and visual resources exist in the Hindi language of the Kanjar people, however, they have not been exposed to them, and therefore remain unreached. Who will tell them?

Prayer Points

Pray that Kanjar people would be softened to Jesus Christ and begin to seek out the Savior honored by other people in Bangladesh. Pray for Kanjar families to turn to Christ together, be discipled, and share their eternal life knowledge with others.