Daharia in India
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Daharia |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 12,000 |
| World Population: | 12,000 |
| Primary Language: | Chhattisgarhi |
| 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: |
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Introduction / History
The Daharia people are one of the oldest tribes in India’s state of Chhattisgarh. Though most speak Hindi, their heart language is Daharia, which is part of the Austroasiatic family of languages.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Daharia clear the land by cutting and burning the forests so they can grow crops. When the land becomes less productive, they repeat the process in a new location. Their farms are in danger from development projects and conflicts with other peoples. They supplement their food source through hunting, fishing and gathering foods in the wild. Some have risen from poverty through education and by starting their own businesses.
They have their own traditions involving music, dance and storytelling.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Though they are officially Hindu, the Dharia have their own beliefs regarding nature spirits and their ancestral spirits. Hinduism is flexible; it accommodates such traditional religious practices.
What Are Their Needs?
The Daharia people need to put their trust and identity in the hands of the loving God of creation who sent his son to make it possible for them to enter the Kingdom of God.
Prayer Points
Pray for a "Book of Acts" type of movement to Christ among the Daharia.
Pray God will have mercy on the Daharia, doing whatever it takes to place them in a position to receive him.
Ask God to open the hearts of the Daharia to the gospel.
Pray for an unstoppable movement to Christ among them.