Bosantiya in India

Introduction / History

Little is known about the Bosantiya history.

Where Are they Located?

The Bosantiya people live in Odisha, a state in eastern India.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Historically, they have worked as dyers, using a dye made from the powder of a red berry. Today, they are known as farmers.

They are ruled by a head man, and a caste messenger.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Bosantiya people 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. 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 many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs. They also worship Kotaru and Chondi, village gods.

What Are Their Needs?

Although audio, visual and written Bible resources are available in Odia, their spoken language, they remain unreached and unengaged with the truth of the gospel. Their greatest need is to understand the infinite love of Almighty God for them, and His provisional payment of the penalty for their sins.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to give the Bosantiya people of India teachable and understanding hearts.
Pray that a strong movement of the Holy Spirit will bring entire Bosantiya families into a rich experience of God's blessing.
Pray for Bosantiya families to be drawn by the Holy Spirit to seek forgiveness, and to understand the adequacy of Christ's work on the cross.
Pray for teams of believers to do sustained, focused prayer for the Lord to open the hearts of Bosantiya family leaders to experience God's blessing through a movement of family-based discovery Bible studies.

Text Source:   Keith Carey