Valmiki Lal Begi (Hindu traditions) in Bangladesh
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Valmiki Lal Begi (Hindu traditions) |
| Country: | Bangladesh |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 2,000 |
| World Population: | 12,000 |
| 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 Dalit - Valmiki |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Valmiki are also called Balmiki. They are a caste of street sweepers with low status. The Valmiki have subgroups, one of which is the Lal Begi. Most members of the Lal Begi subgroup live in West Bengal in India, but a smaller number are over the border in Bangladesh.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Lal Begi Valmiki people face discrimination from a young age, even in a Muslim country like Bangladesh. Since the root of these problems is in the Hindu based caste system, some have changed to a different religion. Most commonly they become Buddhist, but others have adopted Islam or Sikhism.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Lal Begi Valmiki 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?
The Valmiki people need to put their trust and identity in the hands of the loving God of Creation who sent his son to make it possible for them to enter the Kingdom of God.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Lal Begi Valmiki people to have the justice they need.
Pray for them to find their identity and sense of worth in the God who gave them life, and the savior who offers them life to the full.
Pray for a "Book of Acts" type of movement to Christ among the Lal Begi Valmiki people.
Pray God will have mercy on the Valmiki, doing whatever it takes to place them in a position to receive him.
Ask God to open the hearts of the Lal Begi Valmiki to the gospel.