Bhumij in India

Introduction / History

The Bhumij are one of nine Munda subgroups in India. Bhumij means "children of the soil." Tribal culture among the Bhumij and the other Munda people groups is quickly changing under the impact of external influences such as industrialization, new communication links, tribal welfare schemes and community development projects. They reside primarily in West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand. They speak Bengali.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most of the Bhumij depend on farming for survival. Many also engage in fishing and hunting. Rice is their staple food throughout the year. They sometimes eat white ants and drink toddy.

Sex before marriage is not taboo among the Bhumij and they also practice polygamy, the marriage of one many with multiple women.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Bhumij follow a mixture of Hinduism and traditional ethnic beliefs. Their supreme god is the sun god, but they also worship many of the Hindu deities and tribal gods. They have a firm belief in an almighty creator and also "mother earth."

What Are Their Needs?

Only a very few Bhumij have accepted Christ. Most have yet to hear and receive the gospel of salvation. Because they are faithful to their family and tribe/village, a church planting movement is very possible if Bhumij elders accept Christ's ambassadors. Once a few key Bhumij submit to the Lord, many others will follow.

Prayer Points

Pray for Bhumij elders to open the door for Christ's servants to take the gospel to them.
Ask the Lord to raise up a triumphant church plating movement among each Bhumij tribe for the glory of his name.
Pray for spiritual discernment and hunger among the Bhumij people, and that they will find their answers in Jesus.

Text Source:   Joshua Project