Introduction / History

The Chain are a people group in West Bengal and other states in eastern India. They speak Bengali and read and write in Bengali.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Chain are mainly agricultural landowners. They are not vegetarians; their staple foods are wheat and rice.

Some of them are in business and a few in government service.

Upon the death of the father, males and females get the same shares of an inheritance. A widow gets half of the property. The oldest son takes charge of the home.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Chain 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 Chain people need to accept the warm embrace of the only savior so they can enjoy spiritually meaningful lives.

Prayer Points

Pray that the internet and gospel recordings will help lead the Chain to salvation.

Pray that God will give them dreams and visions leading them to Jesus Christ.

Pray for a "chain" of disciples who will disciple others until there is an unstoppable movement to Christ.

Scripture Prayers for the Chain in India.

References

Singh, K. S., ed. "India's Communities A-Z", Oxford University Press, USA 1999