Introduction / History

There have been many Indian people groups in Myanmar especially during British colonial days. Odia speakers, originating in India's Odisha state, were but one people group from India. The number of Indians increased dramatically during the early 20th century. Almost half of Yangoon's population was Indian during WWII, a situation which caused the Burmese majority to become alarmed. Thousands of Indians fled Myanmar in the early to mid-20th century due to anti-Indian violence. However, some remain in Myanmar to this day.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Odia speakers and other people groups from India who live in Myanmar can be merchants, shop owners, engineers, civil servants or common laborers.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Odiya speakers in Myanmar are almost entirely Hindu. They constantly struggle to win the favor of their deities, the "disease spirits," and the village gods. Gunias (magicians) practice witchcraft and sorcery in the villages. Extensive rituals and festivals are celebrated throughout the land, including the New Year's Festival and the Fertility of the Earth Festival.
They believe that sickness is placed on people by evil spirits and witches. They also sustain the belief that planets and stars in the zodiac are responsible for an individual's physical and mental condition, and that leprosy is a punishment for great sins. They look to herbal folk medicines, exorcisms and the gunias for cures from these and other illnesses.
Odia speakers believe that death is simply a passing from one life into the next. They believe that this cycle of death and rebirth will continue until the spirit merges with the person's "absolute soul." They believe that Yama, the god of justice, sends the soul to heaven or hell.

What Are Their Needs?

Odia speakers need the opportunity to hear and respond to the life-changing gospel.

Prayer Points

Pray for the few Odiya speaking believers to take Christ to their Hindu neighbors.
Pray for spiritual discernment and hunger among these Hindus.
Pray for a Disciple Making Movement among Odiya speakers in Myanmar.

Scripture Prayers for the South Asian, Odia-speaking in Myanmar (Burma).