Lohara in Bangladesh
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Lohara |
| Country: | Bangladesh |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 31,000 |
| World Population: | 326,000 |
| Primary Language: | Sylheti |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.66 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Hindu - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Lohara of India are a respected tribe who are prominent in the state of West Bengal.
As well as being in West Bengal, some of the Lohara live in parts of the regions in the state of Jharkhand like Singhbhum, Hazaribag, Palamu, Ranchi and Santhal Pargana. A smaller number are in Bangladesh.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Lohara are involved in several types of work in which they earn a living. Some are shepherds, and many raise cattle. Some of them cultivate. Others weave baskets. They make first-class iron products. They have special tools for carving and they are known for their excellent artwork. The houses they live in are very artistic in design. They take part in festivals with dancing, music and rituals.
The men and women of the Lohara dance wearing their regular traditional clothes and sing along at the same time. They do their artwork from handloom weaving tools. They also do wall paintings, which are on show at festival times. They speak in the same language as other tribes in their region, and their clothing is similar to other local tribes. The tribes in this part of the world have similar cultures.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Lohara have many festivals. Some are performed at home and others are performed in the community. In the festivals, they worship folk gods. They worship them to please them and to be blessed. (They need to discover that blessings come through Jesus Christ). They have many social ceremonies and rituals. The rituals mainly involve nature conservation and booties to help them earn a living.
What Are Their Needs?
They need the chance to experience the abundant life that only Jesus Christ can offer. Few can hear because no one has been sent.
Prayer Points
Pray for the salvation of the Lohara people and that God may send several workers to work among them and meet their spiritual and physical needs.
Pray for the Lohara Christian believers to reach out to their own people.
Pray for an unstoppable movement to Christ among the Lohara people in Bangladesh.