Bairagi (Hindu traditions) in Bangladesh
Photo Source:
Anonymous
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Map Source:
People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Bairagi (Hindu traditions) |
| Country: | Bangladesh |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 198,000 |
| World Population: | 4,561,000 |
| Primary Language: | Bengali |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Hindu - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The history of the Bairagi commences with Ramanuja, who lived in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, and taught in the southern part of India. Most live in India, but there are some in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal.
What Are Their Lives Like?
They are Brahmins, so they have high status among Hindus. This might not be the case in Muslim Bangladesh. They are indifferent to the education of girls. To follow Christ is to risk disturbing community harmony within this Hindu community.
What Are Their Beliefs?
A proper Bairagi is one whose principal deity is either Vishnu or any of his incarnations, like Rama and Krishna. A mark (tilak) on the forehead and ear are their identification marks. They worship Gouranga as their family deity and Kali, Manasa and Durga as village deities.
What Are Their Needs?
The Bairagi people need to submit to Jesus Christ so they can experience the abundant life he offers them in John 10:10.
Prayer Points
Pray the few believers among the Bairagi people will grow in sharing and discussing God's Word with their families and friends. Pray for those that the Lord will soon call to himself. Pray they will be zealous to learn of Christ, and that they will be sent teachers and pastors to help them. Pray they will live holy lives that honor Christ. Pray for the Hindu Bairagi community to make schooling for both boys and girls a priority.