Rabha in Bhutan

People Name:	Rabha
Country:	Bhutan
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	1,600
World Population:	435,600
Primary Language:	Assamese
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Tribal - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction

The Rabha are a Scheduled Tribe in India, where most live. There is also a small contingent of Rabhas in nine districts of Bhutan. The forest Rabhas follow traditional animistic practices tinged with some rituals of mainstream Hinduism, but village Rabhas have merged with local Hindus as far as their religious practices are concerned. Rabha peoples' religious world is pervaded with various spirits and natural objects. The main deity is called Rishi. In addition, there are the deities Rungtuk and Basek. As in most tribal communities, dances and music play an important part in the lives of the Rabhas. After every ritual they perform various dances to please their deities.

Ministry Obstacles

The literacy rate of this tribe in Bhutan is likely to be low. Printed resources may have limited impact.

Outreach Ideas

There are quite a number of Christians among the Rabha of India, according to the Indian census. Perhaps the Lord will call some of these Christians to carry the gospel to their tribe in Bhutan.

Pray for the Followers of Christ

There are no indications of followers of Jesus today among the Rabha of Bhutan.

Pray for the Entire People Group

Please pray the Lord will send the good news about Jesus to all of the Rabha tribe soon, and that they will be completely set free from superstition and the worship of created things.