Besya (Hindu traditions) in India


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* Data can be from various sources including official census, agencies, and local research. Data from these sources can sometimes differ even by orders of magnitude. Joshua Project attempts to present a conservative, balanced estimate.

Introduction / History

The Besya people have a deep-rooted history in India, with their origins tracing back to ancient times. They traditionally engaged in agriculture and trade, contributing to the local economy for centuries. The Besya primarily speak regional languages such as Hindi and Bengali, depending on where they live. Most of the Hindus among them live in West Bengal and other eastern states.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Today, the Besya people live primarily in rural and semi-urban areas. They continue to engage in agriculture, cultivating crops such as rice, wheat, and vegetables. Many families also work in small-scale trade and crafts. Their communities are close-knit, with a strong emphasis on family and mutual support. Despite facing economic challenges and limited access to modern amenities, the Besya maintain a vibrant cultural life through festivals, music, and traditional arts.

The Besya people distinguish themselves from other groups through their deep connection to traditional agriculture and trade. Their unique cultural practices, including specific rituals, festivals, and traditional crafts, set them apart. Their emphasis on maintaining close family ties and mutual support within their communities highlights their distinct social structure. Barriers to outsiders interacting with the Besya include their strong adherence to traditional customs, geographic isolation in some areas, and language differences. These factors collectively create a unique identity for the Besya, while presenting challenges for external engagement. The Besya place great importance on family, hospitality, and respect for elders, ensuring that their religious and cultural traditions are passed down through generations.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Besya people practice Hinduism, worshiping various deities and observing numerous religious rituals and festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Navratri. Their belief system emphasizes values like dharma (duty), karma (action and consequence), and ahimsa (non-violence). They also honor their ancestors through rituals and ceremonies.


What Are Their Needs?

The Besya people need better access to quality education to provide more opportunities for their children. Improved healthcare services are essential due to the limited availability of medical facilities and high rates of preventable diseases. Economic support through modern agricultural techniques, market access, and vocational training can enhance their livelihoods. Infrastructure development, including better roads, clean water supplies, and reliable electricity, will greatly benefit the Besya community. Addressing these needs will help the Besya people achieve greater socio-economic stability while preserving their rich cultural and religious heritage.


Prayer Points

Pray for his kingdom to come and his will to be done among the Besya people.
Pray for a movement of Besya households to study the Bible and accept the blessings of Christ.
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will drive the Besya 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 Besya people.


Scripture Prayers for the Besya (Hindu traditions) in India.


References

Sharma, B.K. "Agriculture and Social Structure in Rural India." Gyan Publishing House, 2010.
Kaur, Raj. "Cultural Heritage of India: Hinduism and Its Socio-Economic Aspects." Mittal Publications, 2013.
"The Rural Communities of India: An Ethnogr


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Besya (Hindu traditions)
People Name in Country Besya (Hindu traditions)
Alternate Names बेसया (हिंदू ट्रेडिशन्स)
Population this Country 3,800
Population all Countries 5,400
Total Countries 2
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
PeopleID3 16384
ROP3 Code 111526
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States on file 3
Largest States
Odisha
2,400
West Bengal
1,200
Jharkhand
300
Districts Interactive map, listing and data download
Specialized Website South Asia Peoples
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States 3
  Odisha 2,400
  West Bengal 1,200
  Jharkhand 300
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
100.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Bengali (2,000 speakers)
Language Code ben   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 3
Secondary Languages
Odia
1,400
Hindi
20
Primary Language Bengali (2,000 speakers)
Language Code ben   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 3
Secondary Languages
  Odia 1,400
  Hindi 20
People Groups Speaking Bengali

Primary Language:  Bengali

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1800-1980)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1801-1984)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1809-2022)
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Text / Printed Matter Topical Scripture booklets and Bible studies World Missionary Press
Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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