Murao comes from a variation of the Hindi word mula, meaning radish. Traditionally they were farmers, famous for growing radishes. The Murao live in Uttar Pradesh. They speak Hindi and read and write in Devanagari.
The Murao people consider themselves to be equal to the high caste Thakur people from the second highest Hindu caste of warriors and rulers, or Kshatryas. This belief is not validated by higher caste members who place them much lower in the social order. Still, the Murao people maintain good relationships with a broad spectrum of other castes, even ones with much lower status. However, they will only marry within their own community. Marriages are arranged by elders from both families. A Hindu priest officiates at the gate of their house for the wedding. They circle a sacred fire seven times to seal their marriage. When it comes to education, they want their sons to get a good education although many must drop out for economic reasons. Some of the younger Murao men who have access to education have become professionals or government employees. Murao girls are marginalized by not having access to higher education. They do not marry outside their community. Most Murao people do what they have been doing for generations:farming and selling their crops or working as unskilled laborers.
Hinduism is their religion and they have their own Hindu festivals and ceremonies. Spiritual beliefs of Hindus are very diverse from those who worship only one god to those who worship hundreds of them to those who are philosophical and do not worship any.
They need to accept the blessings of Jesus Christ, the one who came to offer life to the full. But first, someone must go to them with the gospel.
Pray they will have messengers of the good news of Christ sent to them. Pray that Murao disciples will make more disciples until their culture is transformed to fully glorify God and represent His kingdom in India. Pray for the Lord to open hearts to see and receive the living Christ.
Scripture Prayers for the Murao (Muslim traditions) in India.
| Profile Source: Keith Carey |
