Bhutan's society has three main groups: the Bhotia of Tibet; the Eastern Bhotia, or Sharchop; and the Nepalese. There are also various other smaller tribes. The Bhotia are primarily concentrated in western and central Bhutan. They are the largest of the tribal communities, and most of the social and political leaders come from this group. Many of the elite immigrated to Bhutan from Tibet in the eighth century, and Tibetan refugees have entered the country at many other times. Both the Eastern and Central Bhotia are generally tall and athletic. True to their Mongolian origins, they have elongated eyes and broad cheekbones. They are generally known as independent and cheerful people.

What Are Their Lives Like?
Many of the Eastern Bhotia are farmers. They must work long hours in the fields in order to produce enough to feed their families. Some of the crops are sold in the market to buy other essential items. The Bhotia diet consists primarily of rice, potatoes, and vegetables. Meat is only eaten in small amounts and yaks supply the families with milk.

The Eastern Bhotia farmers usually live in small settlements or in isolated homes. In the larger towns, homes are built in clusters and many are painted with attractive designs. They are usually built with timber and thick, pounded mud walls to keep out the cold. Most of the homes have two floors, but some have as many as four. If a family owns animals, their livestock is kept on the ground floor. The roofs are made from wooden slats that have been anchored by heavy rocks.

Marriages are typically monogamous. The women marry at about age 16, while the men wait until they are 21. Formal wedding ceremonies are not held. Newlyweds may live with the groom's family, the bride's family, or on their own, depending on where the need for farm labor is the greatest. The extended family is very important in Bhotia culture, and grandparents often look after younger family members.

The Eastern Bhotia women wear beautifully woven fabrics with colorful, intricate designs. A long piece of cloth, called a kira, is wrapped around the body and attached to the shoulders with a pair of silver brooches. A small jacket is usually worn over the kira. Men wear long plaid robes, or gos. During the daytime, the go is fastened with a belt so that it reaches the knees. At night, it is let down while sleeping. Hats are rarely worn. When entering a temple, men and women wear scarves over their shoulders as a sign of respect. The color of the scarf depends upon an individual's rank.

What Are Their Beliefs?
The "Red Hat" sect of Tibetan Buddhism (Lamaism) is the dominant religion among the Eastern Bhotia. Although they are almost entirely Buddhists, traditional Tibetan shamanism is also practiced by some. The shamanists believe in an unseen world of gods, demons, and ancestral spirits.

Most Buddhist families have shrines for worship inside their homes. A poor family may only have a small Buddhist image or painting rather than a shrine. However, a wealthy family may use an entire room as a shrine, furnishing it with an elaborate altar, lamps, an incense burner, and other religious items.

What Are Their Needs?
Because of their history of isolation from other nations, the Eastern Bhotia do not trust outsiders. They are conservative by nature and value their ancient traditions. However, they are becoming more vulnerable to change due to their need for modern medicines and conveniences.

Although efforts are being made to reach the Eastern Bhotia, the people remain isolated and resistant to the Gospel. Much prayer and evangelization efforts are needed to break down these walls of isolation and tradition.

Prayer Points

• Pray that God will send Christian medical teams to live and work among the Eastern Bhotia.
• Ask God to encourage and protect the 22 known Eastern Bhotia Christians in Bhutan.
• Pray that the Lord will give these young converts boldness to share the Gospel with their own people.
• Pray that God will raise up qualified linguists to translate the Bible into the Sharchagpakha language.
• Ask the Lord to reveal Himself to these precious people through dreams and visions.
• Take authority over the spiritual principalities and powers that are keeping the Eastern Bhotia bound.
• Ask God to raise up prayer teams who will begin breaking up the soil through intercession.
• Pray that the Lord will raise up strong local churches among the Eastern Bhotia.

THE PEOPLE

• People name: Eastern Bhotia
• Country: Bhutan
• Their language: Sharchagpakha
• Population: (1990) 203,800
  (1995) 216,200
  (2000) 243,200
• Largest religion: Buddhist 99.9%
• Christians: <1%
• Church members: 22
• Scriptures in their own language: None
• Jesus Film in their own language: None
• Christian broadcasts in their own language: None
• Mission agencies working among this people: 1
• Persons who have heard the Gospel: 34,600 (16%) Those evangelized by local Christians: 6,500 (3%)
  Those evangelized from the outside: 28,100 (13%)
• Persons who have never heard the Gospel: 181,600 (84%)

• Country: Bhutan
• Population: (1990) 1,544,200
  (1995) 1,637,800
  (2000) 1,842,400
• Major peoples in size order: Central Bhotia 16.8%
  Nepalese 16%
  Eastern Bhotia 13.2%
  Bhutanese 11.8%
  Gurung 10.6%
• Major religions: Buddhist 70.8%
  Hindu 23.5%
  Muslim 5%
• Number of denominations: 8