Introduction / History

Varli of India are a scheduled tribe. Varli people are also called Warli, which means, "a field or piece of land."

Where Are they Located?

Varli people live mostly in the Nashik region, the Thane region, and the Dhule region in the state of Maharashtra. Some also live in the state of Gujarat, and in Indian Union territories in the west of India.

Varli speak in an unwritten language that is from the southern zone of the Indo Aryan tribal languages. They also speak Hindi, Tamil, and Urdu, which have Bible resources completed.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They people primarily work in agriculture.

They enthusiastically celebrate festivals of lights, adding to their culture. They have contributed muchto tribal art through Varli paintings influenced by nature. Common scenes show farming, hunting, fishing, festivals, animals and other forms of nature. They only use white for their paintings. Wall paintings are only exihibited during harvests and weddings.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Varli people celebrate many festivals worshiping folk gods. Some are observed at home, and others in the community. They have many social ceremonies and rituals regarding nature. They worship to please, and to be blessed by their gods whom they fear.

What Are Their Needs?

These creative people need to ask the questions, "Who ceated what we see and worship?" and "What was the origin of our creativity?"

Someone needs to reach out to Varli people with Bible resources in Hindi, Tamil, and Urdu languages which they understand.

Prayer Points

Pray the day will come when they celebrate Jesus Christ with enthusiasm and worship presently given to false gods.
Pray that spiritual barriers will be broken, and that they will turn their hearts to Jesus.
Pray that God's people will make long-lasting, intentional contact with Varli people that will result in many disciples reaching their own people.

Scripture Prayers for the Varli in India.