Introduction / History

During the British colonial period the Sunri would buy licenses from the government to make and sell alcohol in a particular district. The Sunris have low status among Hindus.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Sunris in Bangladesh earn their living through farming, trade, fishing and being household service workers. They sometimes get taken advantage of because they lack power. The Sunri marry within their caste although not in their clan. Families arrange marriages with the consent of the young people. The newly married couple live near or with the groom's family. Monogamy, marriage to one spouse, is their general practice. Sons inherit the property of their father with the eldest son gaining the family home and the responsibility of caring for his younger siblings and mother. The Sunri encourage their children to pursue higher education. They have made progress in the field of education. Caste councils settle their legal disputes and promote their interests. The main foods of the Sunri are rice, vegetables, fruit, grains, and dairy products. They do not eat beef or pork but will consume fish, mutton and fowl.

Sunri worship gods of the Hindu pantheon.

What Are Their Beliefs?

All Sunri subgroups are tightly connected to their Hindu beliefs, and there are apparently only a few believers among them. Living in a predominantly Muslim country, the Hindu Sunris in Bangladesh have learned to stay close to their community, and not allow outsiders to influence their spiritual lives.

What Are Their Needs?

The Sunri people need to submit to Jesus Christ so they can experience the abundant life he offers them in John 10:10.

Prayer Points

Pray that the few followers of Christ in the Sunri community of Bangladesh will shine the light of Jesus in a land where spiritual darkness reigns. Pray for leaders of Sunri families and clans to accept the blessings and responsibility of following Christ, and to encourage others to do the same. Pray that they will be willing to be discipled in his ways so that their entire community is transformed into the likeness of Christ.

Scripture Prayers for the Sunri (Hindu traditions) in Bangladesh.