Introduction / History

The Sirkiband are a scheduled caste living in the northern Indian states of Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They make straw mats and other goods from grass. Many of them are now laborers. Many live on the banks of the river. The literacy level is low, so they will need the gospel in oral form.
They are mostly vegetarians who eat wheat. They are endogamous at community level. They have gotras who look after marriages.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Sirkiband people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. They visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. There are other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins.
Almost all Hindus participate in yearly celebrations like Holi, the festival of colors and the start of spring / Diwali, the festival of lights / Navratri, the celebration of autumn / and Rama Navami, Rama's birthday.

What Are Their Needs?

They need the Holy Spirit to open their eyes so they can see Jesus as he is.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to bless the Sirkiband people materially and spiritually, causing them to understand Christ's goodness and power.
Pray for Holy Spirit directed Indian Christians to make disciples who will make more disciples.
Pray that gospel recordings will lead them to begin home Bible studies.
Pray for spiritual hunger and discernment.

Scripture Prayers for the Sirkiband (Hindu traditions) in India.

References

Singh, K. S., ed. "India's Communities A-Z", Oxford University Press, USA 1999