Introduction / History

The Bahna or Behana are a Hindu people who live in north and central India. Their name comes a word for "seed." Their traditional occupation was separating the seeds from raw cotton. The Bahna believe they originally came from Persia or Afghanistan. The Bahna are a Scheduled Caste meaning they receive special consideration for public jobs and university admissions. The primary language of the Bahna is Hindi. The large majority of the Hindu Bahna live in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Some Bahna became Muslims during the time of the Moghuls. Many of them left India and moved to Pakistan in 1947.

What Are Their Lives Like?

With the coming of the modern technology, the Bahna have gone into different jobs like selling fabric, agriculture, manufacturing and trade. Many of the Bahna girls receive little formal education while the boys pursue more schooling.

The Bahna marry within their community often their cousins. One spouse is the general rule while having more than one wife is legal. The sons inherit their father's property. Their dead are cremated.

The Bahna are not vegetarians but as Hindus do not eat beef. Their main foods are rice, wheat, lentils, vegetables and fruit. Most Bahna live in villages with other castes.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Bahna practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. They worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Hindus believe that by performing rituals and good works that they will attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The Bahna visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers and incense to their gods. There are many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs.

The main yearly holidays of the Bahna people are Holi, the festival of colors, Diwali, the festival of lights, Navratri, the celebration of autumn and Rama Navami, Rama's birthday.

What Are Their Needs?

The Bahna need to hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ in a way they can understand. Teachers can come and help their girls gain a basic education. The Bahna need help in bringing modern conveniences to their villages.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to work powerfully through those ministering to the Bahna people.
Pray for the tiny number of Bahna believers to grown and be strengthened in the faith.
Pray for movements to Jesus to sweep through Bahna families, permeating the group from within.

Scripture Prayers for the Bahna (Hindu traditions) in India.

References

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behna
peoplegroupsindia.com/profiles/dhunia/comment-page-1/