Rai in Bangladesh


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Other / Small (Kirati)
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* Data can be from various sources including official census, agencies, and local research. Data from these sources can sometimes differ even by orders of magnitude. Joshua Project attempts to present a conservative, balanced estimate.

Introduction / History

Collectively the Rai are known as very courageous, daring, and fearless people. In recent history they have won worldwide respect for their bravery in the Royal Nepalese Army. Joining the army is often a way out of enduring economic hardship. It also brings respect and honor, especially for those of high military rank.


Where Are they Located?

The Rai people are most likely to be found in Nepal and Bhutan, but a smaller number live in India and Bangladesh.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Among the Rai, weddings are very festive occasions. Some marriages are facilitated by kongpi, or middlemen, who work out the details of the marriage. Gifts are presented to the families; and if accepted, the family sets a marriage date. Sometimes marriages are facilitated by the "arranged kidnapping" of the girl of one's choice. Many believe that this method brings about good results, though it probably opens the door for abuse of the woman.

At the wedding, guests give gifts to the parents of the bride and groom, as well as to a long line of family members and village elders. They often sacrifice an animal, usually a pig or rooster at this time. There is an abundance of meat and drinks at these weddings. One favorite beverage is made from barley and potatoes. Often the whole night is spent in singing and celebration.


What Are Their Beliefs?

While the majority of Rai are Hindus, there are also a large number of animists who believe that non-human objects have spirits. In addition, they have been heavily influenced by Buddhism. This mixture has created a wide variety of gods and worship practices among them. These customs are most evident during such events as births, marriages, and deaths. The influence of Hinduism has led to many of the dead now being cremated instead of being buried.


What Are Their Needs?

The Rai people need ways to earn a living in such a way that they can afford higher education for their children. They also need believers to go to them as Christ-bearers so that they have the chance to experience life to the full (Jn 10:10).


Prayer Points

Ask God to call out faithful prayer teams to break up the soil through worship and intercession.
Pray that the Lord of the harvest will raise up long-term laborers to live and work among the Rai people in Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and India.
Ask the Holy Spirit to complete the work begun in the hearts of the few Rai believers through adequate discipleship. Pray that this will lead to an unstoppable Disciple-Making Movement.
Ask the Lord to raise up a triumphant church among the Rai for the glory of His name!


Scripture Prayers for the Rai in Bangladesh.


References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rai_people
http://www.greathimalayatrails.com/ght-about-nepal/rai-people/
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Rai-people
https://www.revolvy.com/main/index.php?s=Rai%20people


Profile Source:   Keith Carey  

People Name General Rai
People Name in Country Rai
Alternate Names Jimdar; Khambu; Kirat-Rai; Majhi Kirant; Manjh-Kirant; राई
Population this Country 1,200
Population all Countries 860,000
Total Countries 4
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
PeopleID3 17925
ROP3 Code 113409
Country Bangladesh
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 26  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States on file 5
Largest States
Dhaka
600
Rangpur
300
Sylhet
200
Chittagong
100
Rajshahi
30
Country Bangladesh
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 26  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States 5
  Dhaka 600
  Rangpur 300
  Sylhet 200
  Chittagong 100
  Rajshahi 30
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Other / Small (Kirati)
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical Unknown)
4.21 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
39.97 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
55.83 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest Bangladesh census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Bengali (700 speakers)
Language Code ben   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 3
Secondary Languages
Marathi
300
Sylheti
200
Primary Language Bengali (700 speakers)
Language Code ben   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 3
Secondary Languages
  Marathi 300
  Sylheti 200
People Groups Speaking Bengali

Primary Language:  Bengali

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1800-1980)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1801-1984)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1809-2022)
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Text / Printed Matter Literacy primer for Bengali Literacy & Evangelism International
Text / Printed Matter Online New Testament (Bibles India) Operation Agape
Text / Printed Matter The Ancient Path Live Global
Text / Printed Matter Tools for faith conversations Cru
Text / Printed Matter Topical Scripture booklets and Bible studies World Missionary Press
Photo Source Rai504089 - Wikimedia  Creative Commons 
Map Source People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Keith Carey 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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