Bhabra (Hindu traditions) in India
Send Joshua Project a photo
of this people group. |
Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
|
| People Name: | Bhabra (Hindu traditions) |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 45,000 |
| World Population: | 45,000 |
| Primary Language: | Hindi |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Hindu - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
|
Introduction / History
The majority of the Bhabra people of India practice Hinduism and Jainism. Much smaller groups are Sikhs and Muslims. All Bhabra were at one time Hindus. The Bhabra are an ancient merchant class. The Bhabra originated in Pakistan. Most Hindu and Jain Bhabra moved to India during the 1947 Partition. Today most Hindu Bhabra are involved in trade and business. Some also work as university professors, writers and in the entertainment industry. The two primary languages of the Hindu Bhabra are Hindi and Eastern Punjabi. Many Bhabra also speak English.
Where Are they Located?
The Hindus among the Bhabra live in the states of Punjab, Haryana and especially Gujarat.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Hindu Bhabra marry within their group but not within their particular clan. Families arrange marriages with the consent of the young people. Adult marriage to one person is the norm. Sons inherit property upon the death of their father. The Hindu Bhabra value education and encourage their children to attend universities.
The Bhabra are not vegetarian but as Hindus will not eat beef. They hire Brahmans to officiate at important family ceremonies like weddings, births and funerals.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Though some of the Bhabra are Sikhs, Muslims or Jains, most of the Bhabra people are Hindus. As a business community, these Hindus are especially prone to worship gods like Ganesh and Lakshmi that they believe will bring them prosperity and help them overcome obstacles. The Bhabra 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.
What Are Their Needs?
The Bhabra need to see that no religious system will bring them the peace and joy that they seek. Only Jesus Christ can get them right with the one, true God and forgive their sins.
Prayer Points
Pray for families of Bhabra believers loving and serving others to grow reproducing churches.
Pray for a chain reaction of Bhabra families reaching families that results in thousands of new believers who share their faith with others.
Pray for grace and truth expanding into the entire Bhabra society as all believers learn to love others.
Pray that churches and believers will bless their entire people group in such a way that God's love will change the Bhabra people.