Bhaina in India

People Name:	Bhaina
Country:	India
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	89,000
World Population:	89,000
Primary Language:	Chhattisgarhi
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.20 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Tribal - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Bhaina community lives on the fertile plains of Raigarh and Bilaspur districts of Madhya Pradesh. They have low status among Hindu communities.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Bhaina work as farmers and as laborers. Some of their marriage rituals are betrothal, circumambulation of the sacred pillar, washing of the feet, blessing and giving of gifts, and applying of vermilion. The Saora, Bhuia, Rout, and Lohar communities accept food and water from the Bhaina, who in turn do not accept food and water from them. They receive the services of the Brahmin, barber and washerman. Their literacy rate is low.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Their principal deity is Nakti Devi. They worship clan deities, village deities like Dulhadeo, Thakur Dec, regional deities and deities of the wider Hindu pantheon.

What Are Their Needs?

Lack of workers willing and able to minister to the unreached communities of India is an obstacle to the progress of the gospel. Perhaps workers can help the Bhaina become more productive as farmers and livestock producers. Building such bridges of friendship can lead to opportunities to share Christ.

Prayer Points

A few of the Bhaina identify themselves as Christians to the Indian census. Please pray for teachers to help these Christians understand clearly what it means to know Christ as Savior and Lord, and to be his disciple.

Pray for a rising literacy rate for the Bhaina, especially for the youth.

Pray that parents will understand the importance of providing a good education for their children.

Pray for a soon-coming movement to Christ among the Bhaina community.