Bhotia Sikkim in India
Photo Source:
Kandell, Alice S. - Library of Congress
Creative Commons
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Bhotia Sikkim |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 95,000 |
| World Population: | 101,300 |
| Primary Language: | Sikkimese |
| Primary Religion: | Buddhism |
| Christian Adherents: | 4.54 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Unspecified |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Tribal - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Bhotia live in the foothills of the Himalayas and are a Scheduled Tribe. The Bhotia speak the languages of the state where they live. They are a majority in northern Sikkim and are called Lachenpas from the word Lachen in Tibetan meaning big hill. They have subgroups.
What Are Their Lives Like?
They are shepherds. They live at higher altitudes for their sheep in summer and go to lower altitudes in winter and have houses both altitudes. The conditions they live in are cold and difficult for them and the remoteness could be an obstacle for the gospel. They also need better health and a decent income. The Sikkim Bhotia live in the whole of Sikkim but mostly in the north. After the birth of a baby there is a naming ceremony done by a priest. They keep their dead in the house from three days to seven weeks before cremating the body.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The religion of the Bhotia is generally a combination of Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism.
What Are Their Needs?
The Bhotia people need a submitted, loving relationship with God the Father so they can experience the abundant life promised by Jesus Christ.
Prayer Points
Pray that Indian believers help them to begin their own disciple making movement. Pray for spiritual hunger that will lead them to the foot of the cross. Pray that they get the help they need with their health and standard of living.