Brahmin Radhi in Bangladesh

People Name:	Brahmin Radhi
Country:	Bangladesh
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	52,000
World Population:	1,897,900
Primary Language:	Bengali
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Forward Caste - Brahmin
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Brahmin is the highest of the four Hindu varnas or types of caste communities. The English word Brahmin is an anglicised form of the Sanskrit word brahmana. Brahman refers to the "supreme self" in Hinduism or the first of the four major Hindu gods whereas Brahmin refers to an individual.

Brahmins typically have early morning devotional times which they call pujas which involve prayer, meditation and making offerings their deities. Though they originated as the priestly varna, today only certain subsets of Brahmins are still involved in priestly duties for others such as teaching, preaching or performing public rituals.

The religious training of Brahmins prepares them well for advanced mathematics. In today's world, the top positions in such areas as computer programming, business, and politics are often filled by Brahmins.

Where Are they Located?

The Radhi Brahmins are mainly in India's state of West Bengal, which is adjacent to Bangladesh. Some of them live further east in this predominantly Muslim country. Those who live in Muslim countries do not enjoy the high status they have in Hindu lands.

What Are Their Lives Like?

For the Radhi Brahmins, some own land and farm it, and a smaller number are businessmen. Though Brahmins have their origins as priests and gurus, the Radhi are occupied in other areas in today's world.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Radhi Brahmins worship such deities as Manasa, Lakshmi, Kamaleshwari, Ganesh, and Kali. The history of the Brahmins is associated with the Vedic religion of early Hinduism. The Vedas are the primary source for Brahmin practices.

Since they have the highest status of any Hindu varna, Brahmins believe that they have everything to lose by "converting" to another religious system. A Brahmin believes he is on the verge of reaching nirvana if he earns good karma in this life by doing what he is supposed to do. He believes that it took thousands of years of being reincarnated to reach the high state he now enjoys. Switching to a "different God" would surely result in an inferior reincarnation after he dies. To reach them for Christ someone will have to enter their world and learn how to communicate in the Brahmin way.

What Are Their Needs?

High caste communities often have pride in their status, and pride is an enemy of faith.

Prayer Points

Brahmins are the key community who uphold Hinduism. Pray that the light of the gospel breaks through the veil that blinds this community.
Pray that the true God will reveal Himself to this community and use Brahmins to preach and teach about Jesus Christ.
Pray for a disciple making movement to flourish among every Brahmin community.