Bhabra (Jain traditions) in India

People Name:	Bhabra (Jain traditions)
Country:	India
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	36,000
World Population:	36,000
Primary Language:	Punjabi, Eastern
Primary Religion:	Other / Small
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Traditionally the Bhabra people have been merchants and businessmen.

Where Are they Located?

Bhabra people live in India's northwestern states of Punjab and Rajasthan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Bhabra community is largely engaged in trade and business. Most are successful businessmen which gives them high status in India. A small number live the life of a Jain ascetic. Jains are usually held in high honor by the Hindu majority.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though some of these people adhere to other religions including Islam and Sikhism, most of them in India are Jains. Jainism was originally a reform movement within Hinduism. They trace their history through 24 saviors and teachers. They believe in non-violence, which has resulted in many adhering to a vegetarian diet. Their belief in a many-sided reality means that truth is too complex to adequately communicate. They believe in non-attachment to material goods, which has led many of them into a life of ascetism. They believe that attachments to material things leads to violence. Ironically, Jains can be among India's richest people, while others (the monks and nuns) lead lives without any property, even clothes.

What Are Their Needs?

The Bhabra people need to understand that there is truth, and Jesus Christ is the Truth who can set them free from religion.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to give Jain Bhabra people teachable and understanding hearts.
Pray that a strong movement of the Holy Spirit will bring entire Bhabra families into a rich experience of God's blessing.
Pray for Bhabra families to be drawn by the Holy Spirit to seek forgiveness, and to understand the adequacy of Christ's work on the cross.
Pray for teams of believers to do sustained, focused prayer for the Lord to open the hearts of Bhabra family leaders to experience God's blessing through a movement of family-based discovery Bible studies.