Introduction / History

The name Lunia comes from Lun or Nun meaning "moist," and is the name for sea salt. Hindu society classes Lunia people as the lowest of the four caste blocks.

Where Are they Located?

They live in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and a small number are in West Bengal where they are classed as a disadvantaged caste. A smaller number live either in Bangladesh or Nepal.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Lunia people farm, build roads and railways, do various construction work, and dig wells. Many are farmers on small plots of land that they own. A select few work in government as political leaders, and in private occupations.

Lunias marry only among their sub-caste or subgroup. They accept both adult and child marriages. The bridegroom goes to the home of his bride, marries her, and they live in the home of his parents. Usually marriages are arranged by negotiation. They permit divorce and re-marriage.

When the father dies, the oldest son becomes leader of the family. Sons and daughters inherit an equal amount of the property of their parents. The widowed mother receives some income if she does not marry again.

Men make the final decisions, though they consider the opinions of women. Lunia women do housework, collect firewood, and participate in rituals, social and religious matters.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Lunia people are Hindus, worshiping many gods and goddesses. They also worship their ancestors and celebrate Hindu festivals. Brahmin priests perform their birth, marriage and death rituals.

What Are Their Needs?

Written, audio, and visual Scripture resources exist in their main languages. Lunia people need primarily audio and visual resources since their literacy level is below national average.

They need to understand that the gods they worship cannot give them eternal life, nor can they correct their sin problem.

Prayer Points

Pray that doors will open wide to the use of the JESUS Film and that much fruit will abound including house churches.
Pray for a major mobilization of prayer worldwide for the Lunia people.
Pray for entire clans and extended Lunia families to embrace the Savior and begin house churches.
Pray for the Lunia people to understand and embrace that Jesus wants to bless their families and neighborhoods.

Scripture Prayers for the Lunia (Hindu traditions) in Bangladesh.

References

www.peoplegroupsindia.com/profiles/lunia/