Kisan in Bangladesh

People Name:	Kisan
Country:	Bangladesh
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	7,300
World Population:	1,761,900
Primary Language:	Sylheti
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	1.37 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Tribal - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Kisan means "farmer." Kisan people are classed as a scheduled caste, which means that they have low status in the Hindu hierarchy. In Bangladesh, this is less important than it is in India or Nepal, since Bangladesh is a Muslim majority country.

Where Are they Located?

Kisan people are concentrated in India's states of Odisha, Bihar, and West Bengal. Many live over the border in Bangladesh, and a smaller number live in Nepal. Kisan people speak the languages of the places in which they live.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Some Kisan are landowners; agriculture is their main occupation. Those who have no land usually work as agricultural laborers. Many Kisan live as tribals who sell honey and wild flowers. They eat rice, mutton, poultry and eggs among other foods. The Kisan men drink alcohol, mostly locally brewed or home brewed.

Many parents cannot afford education for their children, so many have literacy problems. Many are victims of private moneylenders who charge high interest. They prefer adult marriages. Marriage with the daughter of a mother's brother is acceptable in their communities. Divorce is allowed in cases such as adultery, cruelty and impotence. Parental property is divided equally among the sons. Women have roles in money, social and religious matters. Like other rural communities in South Asia, the Kisan people have traditional councils at the village level to solve disputes.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Kisan are Hindus and worship all the main gods and goddesses. They also worship gods from their tribal roots. They use medicine men. They observe Hindu festivals. Kisan have pollution periods for both births and deaths like other Hindu communities.

What Are Their Needs?

Rural areas have no amenities, infrastructure, or power. There is a severe shortage of health care facilities. Disease is widespread. Medical care and instruction are desperately needed.

Prayer Points

Pray for a movement of Jesus to heal and strengthen Kisan communities and families.
Pray for a "Book of Acts" type of movement to Christ among the Kisan people.
Pray for Holy Spirit anointed believers from the Kisan people to change their society from within.
Pray for a movement in which the Holy Spirit leads and empowers disciples to make more disciples.
Pray for his kingdom to come and his will to be done among the Kisan people.