Kayastha (Hindu traditions) in Bangladesh

Introduction / History

Traditionally the Kayastha were scribes, administrators and record-keepers. They have a longstanding tradition of having a better education than most other communities in South Asia. For this reason, and because of their relatively high caste status, the Kayastha are well-respected throughout South Asia. Though the Kayasthas live mostly in the Indian states of West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi, some live further east in the Muslim nation of Bangladesh.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In recently years, these well-educated Hindus have broken new grounds and excelled in vocations other than those relating to writing and record-keeping. They have a good future ahead of them, both in India and in Bangladesh.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Kayastha 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?

Bangladesh is a country that allows few opportunities to share the gospel, even with the Hindu minorities like the Kayasthas. Within Bangladesh's Hindu communities, the Kayasthas have high prestige. This could easily give them the false impression that they do not need a Savior to save them from sin. It will take believers from a high-status background to gain a hearing among these educated Hindus. The Lord will need to raise up ambassadors for Christ who will walk in the fruit of the Holy Spirit and have enough patience and love for the Kayasthas to stay with them until they have their own disciple making movement.

Prayer Points

There are no known followers of Christ among the Kayasthas in Bangladesh. Furthermore, there are few believers who speak Bengali as their first language in both India and Bangladesh. Pray for the Holy Spirit to intervene in their community in such a way that it is clear that only Jesus Christ is worthy of their undivided devotion. Pray for the Lord to make his presence known among the Hindu Kayasthas in Bangladesh. Pray for the Kayasthas in Bangladesh to experience and share the blessings of Christ. Pray for gratitude to the one who gives life. Pray for the right workers to go to the Kayasthas in Bangladesh.

Text Source:   Joshua Project