Bachhada in India

Introduction / History

The Bachhada or Bachara were classified as a "criminal" caste during the British colonial period. Many of the men were put in prison or unable to find honest work. The women had to find a way to support themselves and their children. Unfortunately, they turned to prostitution. Men come from hundreds of miles away to pay to have sexual relations with Bachhada girls as young as 11. The girls are groomed to be prostitutes from a young age and the boys are trained to become their pimps. Many of the Bachhada children do not have last names because they do not know the identity of the father. The Indian government and many NGOs have tried to break this sad tradition of the Bachhada but many villages still utilize prostitution as their main means of financial support. Most of the Bachhada are either illiterate or functionally illiterate.

The primary language of the Bachhada is Hindi. Many Christian resources exist in Hindi including the whole Bible and the JESUS film.

Where Are they Located?

The Bachhada people live in villages in India's central state of Madhya Pradesh.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Bachhada believe that the only way for them to make a living is prostitution or other criminal activity. Other Indians look down upon the Bachhada. Women often have temporary male partners. The men come and go as they please when they are grow tired of the woman or a better situation appears. Such a cycle of poverty and illegal behavior is difficult to break. Many of the Bachhada children do not attend school or attend school until they become old enough to become prostitutes and pimps.

Jesus Christ is the only hope for the Bachhada. He changes His followers into new creations who want to do His will.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Bachhada people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. They worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Hindus believe that by performing rituals and good works that they will attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. 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 many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs.

The main yearly holidays of the Bachhada people are 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?

The Bachhada people need to find a constructive way to earn a living through learning new job skills. They need to find ways to help themselves and their nation rather than destroying the lives of their daughters through prostitution and sons through pimping. Solar panels can bring electricity to Bachhada villages. The Bachhada would benefit by access to modern medicine and secondary schools. They need to hear and understand that Jesus Christ can forgive their sins and bring them new life.

Prayer Points

Pray for a movement of Jesus to heal and strengthen Bachhada communities.
Pray for His kingdom to come and His will to be done among the Bachhada people.
Pray for the Bachhada people to understand and embrace that Jesus wants to bless their families and neighborhoods.
Pray for Holy Spirit anointed believers from the Bachhada people to change their society from within.

Text Source:   Keith Carey