Bishnupriya Manipuri in India
Photo Source:
Anonymous
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Bishnupriya Manipuri |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 98,000 |
| World Population: | 117,000 |
| Primary Language: | Bishnupuriya |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.99 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Portions |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Hindu - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Bishnupriya (Manipuri) are a 100% Hindu community living in the northeastern corner of Bangladesh mostly in the Moulvibazar district of Sylhet division. They point to Manipur state of India as their homeland, and they still have a majority of their people in various northeastern states of India.
What Are Their Lives Like?
They are mostly farmers, though their younger generations are becoming increasingly more educated and looking for other opportunities. They are very proud of their culture/religion and are well-known in Bangladesh for their dances; their identity is very much tied to their Hindu culture/religion. Largely because of this, there is still not a single known Christian among the Bishnupriya in Bangladesh, and very few in India.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Missionary activity among them has been and is limited because of their belief that to be Bishnupriya is to be Hindu. Outsiders trying to spread the gospel are not tolerated, and individuals may resist the gospel for fear that they will lose their place in the Bishnupriya society if they become Christians.
What Are Their Needs?
Still, because of the Bishnupriya community's desire for development and aid, missionaries can easily gain access to the community by engaging them in the social, economic and health sectors. Going beyond merely providing aid may prove difficult, however.
Prayer Points
Pray for a movement of Jesus to heal and strengthen Bishnupriya communities.
Pray for a "Book of Acts" type of movement to Christ among the Bishnupriya.
Pray for the Bishnupriya people to understand and embrace that Jesus wants to bless their families and neighborhoods.
Pray for Holy Spirit anointed believers from the Bishnupriya people to change their society from within.
Pray for a movement in which the Holy Spirit leads and empowers disciples to make more disciples.