Bhirai in India

The Bhirai have only been reported in India
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* Data can be from various sources including official census, agencies, and local research. Data from these sources can sometimes differ even by orders of magnitude. Joshua Project attempts to present a conservative, balanced estimate.

Introduction / History

The Bhirai people have a deep-rooted history in India, traditionally living in the central and western regions. They have long been known for their agricultural practices and craftsmanship. The Bhirai speak regional languages such as Dogri and Marathi.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Today, the Bhirai people primarily reside in rural villages, engaging in farming and artisanal crafts. They grow crops such as millet, wheat, and vegetables and many families also practice traditional crafts like pottery and weaving. Their communities are close-knit, emphasizing family bonds and communal support. Despite economic challenges and limited access to modern amenities, the Bhirai maintain a vibrant cultural life, celebrating their heritage through festivals, music and traditional arts.

The Bhirai people distinguish themselves through their expertise in farming and artisanal crafts.

Their wedding practices are elaborate and deeply rooted in Hindu traditions. Weddings typically include Hindu rituals such as the exchange of garlands, sacred fire ceremonies, and vibrant music and dance performances.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Bhirai people practice Hinduism, worshiping various deities and observing numerous religious rituals and festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Navratri. Their belief system emphasizes values like dharma (duty), karma (actions and consequences), and ahimsa (non-violence). They also honor their ancestors through rituals and ceremonies, ensuring that their religious and cultural traditions are preserved across generations.


What Are Their Needs?

The Bhirai people need better access to quality education to provide more opportunities for their children. Improved healthcare services are essential due to the limited availability of medical facilities and high rates of preventable diseases. Economic support through modern agricultural techniques, market access, and vocational training can enhance their livelihoods. Infrastructure development, including better roads, clean water supplies, and reliable electricity, will greatly benefit the Bhirai community. Addressing these needs will help the Bhirai people achieve greater socio-economic stability while preserving their rich cultural and religious heritage.


Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to give the Bhirai people teachable and understanding hearts.
Pray that a strong movement of the Holy Spirit will bring entire Bhirai families into a rich experience of God’s blessing.
Pray for Bhirai families to be drawn by the Holy Spirit to seek forgiveness, and to understand the adequacy of Christ’s work on the cross.
Pray for teams of believers to do sustained, focused prayer for the Lord to open the hearts of Bhirai family leaders to experience God’s blessing through a movement of family-based discovery Bible studies.


Scripture Prayers for the Bhirai in India.


References

Sharma, B.K. "Agricultural Communities in India: A Socio-Economic Study." Gyan Publishing House, 2010.
Singh, Raj. "Cultural Traditions of Central India: A Historical Overview." Mittal Publications, 2013.
"Rural Societies and Traditions in India


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Bhirai
People Name in Country Bhirai
Alternate Names भीराई
Population this Country 1,100
Population all Countries 1,100
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
PeopleID3 16462
ROP3 Code 111626
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Districts Interactive map, listing and data download
Specialized Website South Asia Peoples
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States 1
  Jammu and Kashmir 1,100
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 India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Dogri (600 speakers)
Language Code dgo   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 3
Secondary Languages
Kashmiri
300
Urdu
80
Primary Language Dogri (600 speakers)
Language Code dgo   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 3
Secondary Languages
  Kashmiri 300
  Urdu 80
People Groups Speaking Dogri

Primary Language:  Dogri

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1883-1971)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1826-2021)
Bible-Complete No
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
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Audio Recordings Oral Bible stories One Story
Film / Video God's Story video God's Story
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Dogri Jesus Film Project
Film / Video LUMO film of Gospels Bible Media Group/LUMO
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible and Resources in text or audio or video Internet Publishing Sevice
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Bible in text or audio or video South Asia Bibles
General Biblical answers to your questions Got Questions Ministry
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Gospel website in this language General / Other
General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible app direct APK download SIL
Mobile App Android Bible app: Dogri YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible App: Dogri Bible Operation Agape
Mobile App Android Bible app: Dogri Word General / Other
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Dogri YouVersion Bibles
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.


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