The Bhand or Bhanr people get their name from the term in Sanskrit for 'jester' or bhanda. They are an occupational lower caste people who have been singers, dancers, actors and jesters since the days of feudal Kingdoms in India.
Today the Bhands are still known for their singing, dancing and storytelling in many areas of India and Nepal. The Damaleh Bhand are especially known for their folk-dance, folk-music and playing of the drum and flute. Most Bhand, however, can be found to have left their traditional occupation and moved into small business selling of household goods or toys.
The Bhands are Sunni Muslim and speak Maithili as well as Nepali and Urdu. Literacy is very low, and many children are not able to attend school though the boys often obtain some Islamic instruction.
Because of their prominent traditional position in the community in performing, the Bhand community ought to be more open to outside communication and likely the gospel. Few have ever approached the Muslim Bhand in Nepal with the gospel and consequently there are no known believers.
Pray for loving workers to go to the Bhand people, and for their hearts to be ready to receive their savior.
Pray for families of believers loving and serving others to grow reproducing churches.
Pray for a chain reaction of families reaching families that result in thousands of new disciples who share their faith with others.
Pray for grace and truth expanding into their entire society as all believers learn to love others.
Scripture Prayers for the Bhand (Muslim traditions) in Nepal.
Profile Source: Joshua Project |
People Name General | Bhand (Muslim traditions) |
People Name in Country | Bhand (Muslim traditions) |
Alternate Names | Bhagat; Bhan; Bhand; Bhangat; Bhanr; Bhant; Kashmiri Bhand; Nakkal; Naqqal; Rana Bhand; भांड (मुस्लिम ट्रेडिशन्स) |
Population this Country | 8,700 |
Population all Countries | 53,000 |
Total Countries | 3 |
Indigenous | Yes |
Progress Scale | 1 ● |
Unreached | Yes |
Frontier People Group | Yes |
GSEC | 1 (per PeopleGroups.org) |
Pioneer Workers Needed | 1 |
People ID | 16423 |
ROP3 Code | 111574 |
ROP25 Code | 301127 |
ROP25 Name | Bhand |
Country | Nepal | ||||||
Region | Asia, South | ||||||
Continent | Asia | ||||||
10/40 Window | Yes | ||||||
National Bible Society | Website | ||||||
Persecution Rank | Not ranked | ||||||
Location in Country | Districts of Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Saptari, Siraha, Dhanusa, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, and Banke. Source: www.ethnologue.com | ||||||
Total States on file | 6 | ||||||
Largest States |
|
Country | Nepal |
Region | Asia, South |
Continent | Asia |
10/40 Window | Yes |
National Bible Society | Website |
Persecution Rank | Not ranked |
Location in Country | Districts of Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Saptari, Siraha, Dhanusa, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, and Banke.. Source: www.ethnologue.com |
Total States | 6 |
Kosi 3,400 | |
Sagarmatha 2,400 | |
Janakpur 2,400 | |
Mechi 200 | |
Lumbini 200 | |
Bheri 70 | |
Website | South Asia Peoples |
Primary Religion: | Islam |
Major Religion ▲ | Percent * |
---|---|
Buddhism |
0.00 %
|
Christianity (Evangelical 0.00 %) |
0.00 %
|
Ethnic Religions |
0.00 %
|
Hinduism |
0.00 %
|
Islam |
100.00 %
|
Non-Religious |
0.00 %
|
Other / Small |
0.00 %
|
Unknown |
0.00 %
|
* From latest Nepal census data. Current Christian values may substantially differ. |
Primary Language | Urdu (4,000 speakers) | ||||||
Language Code | urd Ethnologue Listing | ||||||
Language Written | Yes ScriptSource Listing | ||||||
Total Languages | 5 | ||||||
Secondary Languages |
|
Primary Language | Urdu (4,000 speakers) |
Language Code | urd Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 5 |
Secondary Languages | |
Maithili 3,300 | |
Nepali 100 | |
Bengali 50 | |
Bhojpuri 40 | |
People Groups | Speaking Urdu |
Primary Language: Urdu
Bible Translation ▲ | Status (Years) |
---|---|
Bible-Portions | Yes (1747-1894) |
Bible-New Testament | Yes (1758-2000) |
Bible-Complete | Yes (1843-2022) |
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) | Online |
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) | Online |
Possible Print Bibles | |
---|---|
Amazon | |
World Bibles | |
Forum Bible Agencies | |
National Bible Societies | |
World Bible Finder | |
Virtual Storehouse |
Photo Source |
(Representative photo) Copyrighted © 2024 Michael E All rights reserved. Used with permission |
Map Source | People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project |
Profile Source | Joshua Project |
Data Sources | Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more. |