Bhojpuri Project

Bhojpuri language is spoken by around 50 million people. It is native to the Bhojpuri region of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in India as well as the Terai region of Madhesh and Lumbini in Nepal. Among this population, only 3% identify as Christians. Consequently, it is imperative that the gospel reaches the remaining 97%. They are living across various districts in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In Uttar Pradesh, they reside in the districts of Bapli, Man Kasipur, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Pasthi Janapur, Thiyoria, and Maharajganj. In Bihar, their presence is noted in the districts of Pakchar, Bhojpur, Chopra Sivan, Gopalganj, Thihariankol, Sasuram Markatiaganj, Pattanu, and Kaya. The literary rate is 30%.

Food habits of Bhojpuri People:

Bhojpuri people consume Roti, chapati and Millet breads as everyday food as three time meal.

Occupation of Bhojpuri People:

Agriculture is the primary occupation of Bhojpuri people. At the same time, there are notable people in politics, arts, music and film industries.

In Hindu customs, the deceased are immersed in rivers such as the Ganges. On the thirteenth day following a death, a feast is organized to which people are invited to partake in the meal. Conversely, Christians and Muslims practice burial and host a meal on the fortieth day after the death. The principal festivals celebrated by these communities include Holi, Diwali, Vasant Panchami, and Makar Sankranti. Despite their generally cheerful demeanor, Bhojpuri individuals can exhibit a quick temper. Their stable foods consist of wheat chapati, pulses, root vegetables, and various other vegetables. They engage in the worship of multiple deities.

Education and Christianity:

• Literacy rate is 30%.
• Christian population is 3%.

Rev. Prof. Panneer Selvam selected Bro. Lalit Mohan Suraj in 1985 from Bihar as the Bhojpuri translator and translation training was given to him in India Institute for Cross-Cultural Communication in Nasik. He started his translation work in Singhbhum District of Bihar (Presently a District of Jharkhand). Following that, Bro. Swaminath, Patras Dayal, and Rajendra Prasad involved in the translation projects. Later, Jaiwanth Kumar and Sudhir Kumar involved in the translation of this project. Translation training was given to them, and they completed the New Testament. Gospel of Mark dedicated by IPA Pastor. Job Gnanapragasam was released by Captain V. Siga and the first copy was received by Bro. Lalit Kumar in the IBT Logos Camp on 12.05.1990 at Stanes Higher Secondary School, Coimbatore. Gospel of John was dedicated by Rev. Durai and it was released by Mr. David, the Principal of St. Paul High. Sec. School- Coimbatore on 08.05.1993 at Logos’ 93 camp held at Stanes Higher Secondary School, Coimbatore. New Testament was dedicated and released by Tirunelveli Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. S. Jayapaul David on 19.11.2006 at the CSI Centenary Hall at Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli and the first copy was received by the Bhojpuri translators Rajendra Prasad & Brother. Sudhir Kumar. Again, the same was dedicated and released by Rev. Sanjay Vincent at St. John’s Church, Gorakhpur- Uttar Pradesh on January 26th, 2007. In the year 2019 May 18th, Psalms & Proverbs was released by Pastor. Chelladurai and the first copy was received by Bro. Sudhir Kumar. The Children Bible was released by IBT Co-founder Mrs. Sudandira Devi on 11.05.2024 in IBT Logos Camp 2024, held at Anaikatti, Coimbatore. Presently, the translation and keying of the Old Testament portions were completed and, exegetical checking has to be done in this project. The complete Bible is planned to be released in 2028. We need financial support initially to print 1000 copies which costs Rs. 800/- per Bible approximately. At present Mr. Sudhir Kumar is the translator of the project.

IBT Publications in Bhojpuri Language

• Gospel of Mark dedicated by IPA Pastor. Job Gnanapragasam was released by Captain V. Siga in the IBT Logos Camp on 05.1990 at Stanes Higher Secondary School, Coimbatore.
• Gospel of John was dedicated by Rev. Durai and it was released by Mr. David, the Principal of St. Paul High. Sec. School- Coimbatore on 05.1993 at Logos’ 93 camp held at Stanes Higher Secondary School, Coimbatore.
• New Testament was dedicated and released by Tirunelveli Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. S. Jayapaul David on 11.2006 at the CSI Centenary Hall at Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli and Again, the same was dedicated and released by Rev. Sanjay Vincent at St. John’s Church, Gorakhpur- Uttar Pradesh on January 26th, 2007
• In the year 2019 May 18th, Psalms & Proverbs was released by Pastor. Chelladurai
• The Children Bible was released by IBT Co-founder Mrs. Sudandira Devi on 05.2024 in IBT Logos Camp 2024, held at Anaikatti, Coimbatore.
• The complete Bible is planned to be released in 2028 based on the exegetical checking by Bible Society of India. We need financial support initially to print 1000 copies which costs 800/- per Bible approximately.