Hajang in Bangladesh

Introduction / History

Ancestors of the Hajang people probably migrated from Tibet. Today, most of them live in east central Bangladesh, primarily in the northern part of the Mymensingh district, which lies on the southern slopes of the Garo Hills. From there, some immigrated into India and now live in the Indian states of Assam, West Bengal and Arunachal Pradesh.

Muslim invaders began conquering the Hindu regions of Bangladesh in the twelfth century. When many local tribes like the Hajang were overrun in 1600-1700 A.D. by Muslims, they took refuge in the hills.

Their language, Hajong, is an Indo-Aryan language blended with the Tibeto-Burman cluster of languages. Later their language was influenced by Assamese and Bengali.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Though most are rice farmers, the Hajang are best known for their beautiful woven goods. Their women wear brightly striped red dresses. A woman must know the art of weaving before she is considered qualified to be married.

The Hajang will not intermarry with other ethnic groups. Marriages are negotiated by parents although some marry for love. Widows are allowed to remarry. Marriages are monogamous, meaning between one man and one woman. As they became more Hinduized, the Hajang became more patriarchal, dominated by the father’s side of the family. A reasonable bride price is part of the marriage arrangement.

Their homes are often either bamboo or wood with thatched roofs. Most housing construction happens in January and February when they are free from farming duties. Their homes include a courtyard for religious rites.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They are officially Hindu, so they are involved with a number of Hindu practices and the worship of certain Hindu gods. At birth they perform Hindu rites. They are cremated after death like other Hindus. Pregnant women are put into seclusion for a couple of days to protect the baby from demons and for purification purposes.

Hindu practices blend with their traditional animistic ones. They worship snakes and a snake goddess, Manasa. Each year they make a sacrifice to her. They also have village and household gods. Village elders are responsible for conducting the religious ceremonies.

What Are Their Needs?

Because most of the tribal Bengali are Hindu, they have been subject to much persecution and religious conflict. The groups living in Bangladesh comprise only a minority of the population and have also experienced great rejection and religious persecution. Those in India are viewed as refugees and are therefore treated as outcasts. These groups need to know the love and acceptance of Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord of the Harvest to send loving Christ bearers to go to the Hajang people
Pray for them to have the spiritual discernment and desire for truth it takes to embrace Jesus Christ.
Pray that Christian radio broadcasts, Bibles, and other literature will be made available to each of the Tribal Bengali groups.
Pray for Hajang led churches that will plant more churches in India and Bangladesh.

Text Source:   Joshua Project