Introduction / History

Most Bathudi are bilingual, speaking their native language, Bathudi, as well as Odiya. Bathudi is an unclassified language unlike all other tribal languages. The Bathudi live among the Santal, the Gond, the Munda, and the Ho peoples. They share the same villages, though the Bathudi live in a separate section.

What Are Their Lives Like?

At one time they were fishermen but today most are either farmers or farm laborers. Bathudi women weave plates out of date palm materials which they sell.

Their mud-walled huts generally have two rooms. The inner room is used for sleeping and cooking, while their goats and chickens roam freely nearby. The Bathudi usually paint the walls of their homes with the colors of red or white. They sleep on palm leaf mats and you rarely find their homes containing wooden furniture.

Their wedding ceremonies usually involve a Hindu priest to bless the union. They have a taboo against marrying their cousins. Girls marry between 15-18 and boys between 18-24. Marriages are arranged by families but they must have the consent of the couple.

Unlike most Hindus, the dead can be buried as well as cremated.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Bathudi people practice Hinduism; they worship many of the Hindu gods and goddesses. They also have their own animistic form of worship which they have retained for hundreds of years. Mangla Thakur is their local deity.

What Are Their Needs?

There are many Christian resources in Odia, but very few who follow Christ who speak this language. The Bathudi people have contact with a few other people groups that have some Christian believers who can reach out to them.

Prayer Points

Pray for an abundant blessing of Bathudi families and communities as they embrace Jesus Christ, the Lord of lords. Pray for a movement of Christ that will enrich the Bathudi community. Pray for spiritual openness towards Jesus Christ that will not be hindered by faith in religious institutions rather than the person, Jesus Christ.

Scripture Prayers for the Bathudi in India.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bathudi_Tribe
https://www.trijharkhand.in/en/bathudi
https://books.google.com/books?id=W5dVaq4_cLoC&pg=PA37#v=onepage&q&f=false