Day 20 - The Rajbansi Nationality
Located in Eastern Nepal in the Jhapa and Morang Districts
| Population: |
Language: |
Religion: |
| 86,000 (in Nepal) |
Koche or Rajbansi |
Hinduism |
The Rajbansi tribe migrated to Nepal from West Bengal approximately 250 years ago. There are three groups which are included in this tribe; the Hindu Rajbansis, the Muslim Rajbansi and the Koche. Originally they were all one tribe known as the Koche. They had a powerful kingdom led by a king named Hajo, who established a city in India called Koche Behar. The Brahmins (high caste) of the area were so impressed with this powerful king that they elevated him to the caste of Ksetri (warrior) and gave him the title of Rajbansi from which this group emerged.
Occupationally, the Rajbansis are farmers, though they also raise chickens, goats, buffaloes and cows. To gain some additional income they will sell milk from these animals in the markets, as well as doing weaving or working in government or private jobs.
The Rajbansis use the language of the Koche along with another language spoken by what they call the "true Rajbansi" called Rajbansi Bhasa. This is very similar to Bengali. Most Rajbansis also speak Nepali in order to cornmunicate with the other tribes living close by. This predominantly Hindu group are quite devout and particularly worship the Hindu goddess of destruction - Kali. Every village has a separate hut dedicated to this goddess. They are known to have elaborate death, birth and marriage rites and ceremonies.
This proud high-caste group has been resistant to the gospel and is in great need of a consistent gospel witness. Despite the fact that most Rajbansis have heard the gospel message, this group remains very closed to Christianity, with well under 1% being Christians.
Key Prayer Points:
- Pray against the fear of the goddess of destruction (Kali) and the ancestral godess of death (Thakuur Brahmani).
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- The two most important festivals among the Rajbansis are Depavadi, where they worship Laxmi (the goddess of wealth) and Lotha Poutha, where they look for strength from the gods. Pray that God will show them that He is their provider and their strength.
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- They have a tremendous fear of having to leave their home, village, or community and being treated as an outcast if they accepted Christ. Their society is not open to any kind of change. Pray that God would set them free from their fears and cause their society to be more open to receive the gospel.
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- Pray for the few Rajbansi Christians as they often have to undergo severe persecution.
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