Koli (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 term Koli means fisherman. According to legend the Koli claim to be descendants from the Black Dwarf that came forth from the body of King Vena. The Koli constitute of several communities with various occupations and cultural identities while remaining Koli.
They are one of the largest communities of western India, but many also live in Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan.


What Are Their Lives Like?

As their name implies, fishing is common. Some are laborers, agriculturists, water carriers, boatmen and some raise animals. Some Koli have advanced education and have positioned themselves well within society and government, but the majority live within the lower strata of society. However, as technology has entered the life of most people, they are also aware of the life available in the city and have experienced a few of the material benefits of urban life.
The eldest son inherits the father's authority. The Koli cremate their dead and practice death pollution for eleven days.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Nearly all of Koli are Hindu while a very few practice Islam. The Koli worship Guar Mati and Holi Mata among other deities of Hinduism. They also believe in ghosts and spirits. Depending on the region, they will celebrate the Namiya festival associated with fishing as well as Karbha, Bahan and other common festivals. A Brahmin priest will officiate at religious activities as well as rituals associated with the cycles of life.


What Are Their Needs?

The Koli people in Bangladesh need more opportunities to get higher education.


Prayer Points

Ask God that workers will be sent to every district and village in Bangladesh.
Pray that God will raise up Koli evangelists that will have a heart to reach their own.
Pray that God will send film teams that will present the life and death of Jesus.
Pray that the God who has set eternity in their hearts will prepare their hearts for the gospel.


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


References

GSCC, Copyrighted © Used with permission


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Koli (Hindu traditions)
People Name in Country Koli (Hindu traditions)
Pronunciation KOH-lee
Alternate Names Bunkar; Buntar; Chamar-Julaha; Dhimar; Kabaria Dagi; Kaperdia; Kapre; Kili; Koda; Koli of Gujarat; Koli Patel; Kora; Koral; Kori; Koria; Kuli; Macchi Koli; Machhi Koli; Machikoli; Mahar-Kili; Malhar; Shilpakar; Shilpkar; Tantubais; Taru; कोली
Population this Country 1,000
Population all Countries 2,941,000
Total Countries 4
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
People ID 17247
ROP3 Code 112615
ROP25 Code 304134
ROP25 Name Koli
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 3
Largest States
Chittagong
500
Dhaka
300
Khulna
300
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 3
  Chittagong 500
  Dhaka 300
  Khulna 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 Bangladesh census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Bengali (1,000 speakers)
Language Code ben   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 2
Secondary Languages
Gujarati
10
Primary Language Bengali (1,000 speakers)
Language Code ben   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 2
Secondary Languages
  Gujarati 10
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)
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Audio Recordings Online Audio Scripture Talking Bibles
Audio Recordings Oral Bible stories One Story
Audio Recordings Story of Jesus audio Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Following Jesus video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video God's Love Story General / Other
Film / Video God's Story video God's Story
Film / Video Indigitube.tv Video / Animation Create International
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Bengali Jesus Film Project
Film / Video LUMO film of Gospels Bible Media Group/LUMO
Film / Video Magdalena video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video My Last Day video, anime Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Rivka video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Story of Jesus for Children Jesus Film Project
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Biblical answers to your questions Got Questions Ministry
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
Photo Source Meena Kadri - Flickr  Creative Commons 
Map Source People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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