Byansi in India

Introduction / History

Isolated, hard to get to, and hard to talk with. These words describe the Byansi (aka, Humla) people of India and Nepal.

Where Are they Located?

The Byansi people live in India and Nepal.

What Are Their Lives Like?

This people group has a developed language called Humla, while the ability to read or write in Nepali or other languages is weak. However, they speak a form of Tibetan that is somewhat similar to other Tibetan languages in Nepal. The Humla are proud of their culture, community, and language, and they want to remain different than their neighbors. This is a factor that potential church planters will need to consider.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Byansi people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. There are many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods whom they believe will give them favor and protection, much like a business transaction. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. Other Hindus are far more philosophical in their spiritual practices. Most of these are part of higher castes, especially the Brahmans.

The main yearly holidays which almost all Hindu communities celebrate are 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?

This people group needs to have a relationship with the God who gave them life and created the beautiful mountains they see every day.

Prayer Points

Pray for His kingdom to come and His will to be done among the Byansi people.
Pray for a movement of Byansi households to study the Bible and accept the blessings of Christ.
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will drive the Byansi people to the arms of Jesus.
Pray for workers who are filled with the fruit and the power of the Holy Spirit to go to the Byansi people.

Text Source:   Keith Carey