Introduction / History

The Deha people have their own dialect of Haryanvi, the language of their native state of Haryana. Not surprisingly, the dialect is called Deha. Most of them speak this language with members of their own community, but they speak Hindi with outsiders.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Traditionally the Deha people weaved winnowing fans used to sift wheat from chaff, but today most of them sell cloth.

They marry as adults. If one spouse dies, their widow or widower can marry the deceased's sibling. For some reason divorce has become more common among the Deha people since India's independence in 1947.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The 21,000 Deha people are Hindus who worship Kali, the goddess of destruction along with regional deities. Instead of relying on the priestly Brahmins, they have their own sacred specialists to perform ceremonies.

What Are Their Needs?

The Deha people have a low literacy rate even for a scheduled caste.

Prayer Points

Pray for followers of Christ to help the Deha people with literacy and economic development. Pray that they will soon give praise and worship to the King. Pray for a spiritual openness to the ways of Christ.

Scripture Prayers for the Deha in India.