Dai (Hindu traditions) in Bangladesh

Introduction / History

The Dai people only live in Bangladesh.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Dais have traditionally been midwifes or traditional healers. Some still practice these, but others are small time farmers or traders.

Dai families are strong. They have elaborate wedding ceremonies involving gift exchanges, music and dancing. Dais can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian. Their staple foods are rice, lentils, and vegetables. They love biryanis, a rice dish with many ingredients.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Dai people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of South Asia. Hinduism is a catch-all term for the local religions of South Asia, and thus it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. They visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. There are other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins.

Almost all Hindus participate in yearly celebrations like 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.

What Are Their Needs?

As far as we know, there are no followers of Christ among the Dai people, and they live in a country that is hostile to the gospel. How will they hear about the abundant life that only Christ offers?

Prayer Points

Pray for loving workers to take the gospel message to the Hindu Dai community.
Pray the Lord will prepare the hearts of the Dai to understand and to believe the gospel.
Pray for the Lord to bless the Dai people with adequate education and medical facilities.
Pray for the Lord to bless the Dai people so abundantly that they will see he is the only one worthy of praise and worship.

Text Source:   Joshua Project