Baiti in Bangladesh
Photo Source:
Public Domain - Wikimedia
Creative Commons
|
Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
|
| People Name: | Baiti |
| Country: | Bangladesh |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 6,500 |
| World Population: | 59,500 |
| Primary Language: | Bengali |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Online Audio NT: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Hindu - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
|
Introduction / History
They are part of the Sudra, or servant rung of Hinduism's caste system. That means that they are among the lowest of the four major caste clusters.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Baiti people must have strong, nimble fingers given the work that most of them do. Many roll cigarettes or do mat or basket weaving, though there are others who earn their living by farming. Though the majority of them live in India's West Bengal state, some live further west where they speak Hindi rather than Bengali.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Baiti 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 Baiti people need to submit to Jesus Christ so they can experience the abundant life he offers them in John 10:10.
Prayer Points
Pray that God will raise up many Baiti families to worship Christ alone. Pray for workers. Pray for the Lord to show the Baiti people that he alone can supply all their needs according to his riches and glory.