Bansi in India

Introduction / History

The Bansi people are also known as the Dhadhi people. They live in India's northern, mountainous Himachal Pradesh state. Their language is called Chambiali which is related to that of the Western Pahari people. Among themselves they speak their own language, Chambeali, but when they speak with outsiders they use Hindi, the trade language of many of India's northern states, especially Himachal Pradesh.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Bansi people are trying to merge their identity with more powerful and numerous groups like the Halis, Chanals and Sanhais. In the process, they have allowed intermarriage with these groups. They have traditional, conservative views about life. For example, they are more likely to allow their boys than their girls to get an education.

Although they can be found engaged in many areas of industry they consider themselves people of the soil, or farmers. Like their ancestors from hundreds of years ago, they depend on rainwater for irrigation.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Bansi people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so 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?

The Bansi people need the abundant life only Jesus Christ offers. They have very little chance of hearing the gospel for two reasons. They speak a rare language with few gospel materials. Secondly, they live in one of India’s least reached states.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Hindu Bansi people will open their hearts and minds to Jesus Christ.
The oldest male in the family; grandfather, father or oldest brother is responsible for larger decisions that affect the entire family.
Let's pray for the men of these families, that God would soften their hearts to the gospel and they would respond by exercising their influence to lead their families to Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project