Halwai (Hindu traditions) in Bangladesh


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* From latest Bangladesh census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.

Introduction / History

The Halwai are a caste of sweet makers and confectioners. The name Halwai comes from the Hindi word "Halwa" which is a sweet. They have respect in Hindu communities. Because of the importance sweets have in religion and socially, they have a special position in festivals and childbirths and marriages.


Where Are they Located?

The Halwai live mainly in India's northern states, but they also live further east in Bangladesh, a Muslim country.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Most of the Halwai are comfortable financially and some are wealthy, particularly in the cities and towns. Halwai owned sweetshops are located in the towns and bazaars of north India and Bangladesh. Some of the Halwai do government and private work. Some work in agriculture. There are a few doctors and engineers among them. They are mainly vegetarians, eating wheat, rice, fruit, and vegetables. They like milk and dairy produce but not alcohol. They educate both boys and girls.
The Halwai are endogamous, which means they do not marry outside of the group. They believe in monogamy, so marriage is between one man and one woman. They permit divorce, and divorcees and the bereaved can marry again. The bride's family must give the groom's family a dowry. Property is given equally to the sons, though the oldest son has the highest status in the home. Younger men often move away to begin a business.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Halwai are mainly Hindu and worship all the main Hindu gods such as Shiva, Rama, Krishna, and Ganesh. A Brahmin priest does birth, marriage, and death ceremonies for them. When a Halwai person dies their body is cremated and the ashes are immersed in a river with the Ganges being the favorite. They observe post delivery childbirth pollution and death pollution for a given period of time. They do Hindu pilgrimages. The Halwai celebrate all the main Hindu festivals such as Holi and Diwali, many of which involve giving and eating sweets—which is very good for business!


Prayer Points

Pray that the risen Christ will reveal Himself to the Halwai people this year during their festivals so that many will put their faith in Him rather than in Hindu gods. Ask the Holy Spirit to show them their need for the holiness available only through Christ.
Pray for a church planting movement among the Halwai people in Bangladesh and India.
Pray for the Lord to raise up hundreds of Halwai people who will give up their wealth and prestige to follow the King of kings.


Scripture Prayers for the Halwai (Hindu traditions) in Bangladesh.


References

http://archive.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2015/mar/24/tangail-sweet-makers-face-bitter-experience
http://narijibon.blogspot.com/2007/10/porabari-chom-chom-famous-and-legendary.html


Profile Source:   Global Prayer Digest  

People Name General Halwai (Hindu traditions)
People Name in Country Halwai (Hindu traditions)
Pronunciation hahl-WYE
Alternate Names Bhanti; Haluwai; Halwai; Madak; Maira; Mayara; Mehtar; Methaiwale; Modak; Modhunapit; हलवाई (हिंदू ट्रेडिशन्स)
Population this Country 64,000
Population all Countries 1,871,000
Total Countries 3
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
People ID 16905
ROP3 Code 112199
ROP25 Code 302955
ROP25 Name Halwai
Country Bangladesh
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 26  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States on file 7
Largest States
Rangpur
32,000
Dhaka
17,000
Khulna
16,000
Rajshahi
4,700
Chittagong
3,500
Sylhet
3,300
Barisal
700
Country Bangladesh
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 26  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States 7
  Rangpur 32,000
  Dhaka 17,000
  Khulna 16,000
  Rajshahi 4,700
  Chittagong 3,500
  Sylhet 3,300
  Barisal 700
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 Bangladesh census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Bengali (73,000 speakers)
Language Code ben   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 3
Secondary Languages
Sylheti
3,000
Chittagonian
600
Primary Language Bengali (73,000 speakers)
Language Code ben   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 3
Secondary Languages
  Sylheti 3,000
  Chittagonian 600
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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Photo Source (Representative photo)
Rajesh Dangi - Wikipedia  Creative Commons 
Map Source People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Global Prayer Digest 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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