Badhai (Hindu traditions) in Pakistan
Photo Source:
Anonymous
|
Map Source:
People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
|
| People Name: | Badhai (Hindu traditions) |
| Country: | Pakistan |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 28,000 |
| World Population: | 7,515,000 |
| Primary Language: | Sindhi |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.06 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.06 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Hindu - Badhai |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
|
Introduction / History
The Badhai of India, Nepal and Pakistan are also known as the Vishwakarma. In ancient times they were described as various rishis or saints involved in meditation in jungles for inner vision and performing scientific experiments for the betterment of others. In the recent past, ancient Indian art and culture, particularly buildings, temples, and chariots were part of their wisdom and knowledge. Deep inner vision and talent gave them the ability to create various idols and images of Hindu gods and goddesses to be worshiped by all.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Many in the Badhai community are also Hijras. This is a group of castrated males who pose as female, commonly called trans. They sing and perform, often at weddings. The trans communities are not well accepted in the conservative Muslim country of Pakistan.
What Are Their Beliefs?
They are traditional Hindus and follow the ancient way. 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?
The Hindu Badhai are a proud people. Pride is a strong barrier to humble acceptance of God's gifts, including the gift of salvation.
Prayer Points
There are almost certainly no followers of Jesus among the Hindu Badhai in Pakistan today. Pray the Lord will begin stirring the hearts of these people to find a savior for their sin.
Please pray these proud people will be given the gift of humility and the gift of faith, such that they will be able to receive the gift of eternal life available through trust in Jesus Christ.
Pray for a movement to Christ among these Hindus that will bless their communities abundantly.
Pray the Badhai community will listen with understanding Sindhi language gospel materials.