Murasing in Bangladesh
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Murasing |
| Country: | Bangladesh |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 2,300 |
| World Population: | 18,300 |
| Primary Language: | War-Jaintia |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Translation Started |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | No |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Tribal - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Murasing are a tribal people who live in northeast India and in Bangladesh. The Murasing are one of the 21 tribes in the Indian state of Tripura and the adjoining area of Bangladesh. Tripura had its own ruling dynasty until the 18th century when the British took over the area. The Murasing have low status among Hindus.
The main language of the Murasing people is a Tibetan dialect called War-Jaintia. Some of the Bangladeshi Murasing also speak Bengali so they can communicate with other peoples.
Where Are they Located?
Most of the Murasing live in Tripura, a state in northeastern India. A smaller group resides in Bangladesh in the states of Chittagong and Sylhet.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Most of the Murasing live as their ancestors have for hundreds of years. They wander the hills looking for food and forest products to sell for household items. With the passing of time, they settling in one place and became farmers and day laborers. They live in bamboo houses on poles six feet or more off the ground to protect them from animals and floods.
There are different types of Murasing marriages. Some are arranged by families, some young people elope and some young people choose each other with the consent of their families. A headman who acts as a judge rules each village of five to 50 families. When a young man or woman comes of age he or she is given a completely new name.
The main foods of the Murasing are rice, fish and vegetables. They eat meat except for beef. The traditional folk music and dances of the Murasing people of date back thousands of years.
What Are Their Beliefs?
If a devout educated Brahmin from Delhi examined the religion of the Murasing, he would probably think the Murasing were more animists than Hindus. Though the Murasing people are officially Hindu, they have traditional beliefs, much like other tribal peoples in Bangladesh. There are numerous Murasing festivals celebrated throughout the year with great pomp and show. The main festivals celebrated by the Murasing are the Durga Puja, Karchi Puja, Diwali, Holi, Buddha's birthday, Christmas, and New Year. Like many tribal peoples, the Murasing have their own priests and do not employ Brahmins for important family events.
What Are Their Needs?
The Murasing need to hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. He alone can free them from their fear of evil spirits and the forces of nature. The Murasing need help in educating their children and in learning new job skills that can bring them into the 21th century. Modern medical workers can do much to improve the lives of the Murasing.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Holy Spirit to give the Murasing people teachable and understanding hearts.
Pray for a strong movement of the Holy Spirit to bring entire Murasing families into a rich experience of God's blessing.
Pray for Murasing families to be drawn by the Holy Spirit to seek forgiveness, and to understand the adequacy of Christ's work on the cross.