Raju in India

Introduction / History

The Raju name comes from the word Raja which means king, and some say that they were once local rulers. Rachavar or Raju live in the eastern and southern states of India, especially Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today their main work is in agriculture or government work. A community association looks after their needs.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Raju people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. 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 Raju people are satisfied with appeasing Hindu deities for their needs. Pray for an awareness of their need for Jesus Christ. There are a few believers in the same states where the Raju people live who can reach out to them with the gospel.

Prayer Points

Pray that the few Raju believers will allow the Holy Spirit to direct their lives and give them love for those who are not of the faith. Pray that they will help others to find the way to the only savior.
Pray for his kingdom to come and his will to be done among the Raju people.
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will drive the Raju people to the arms of Jesus.
Pray for workers who are filled with the fruit and the power of the Holy Spirit to go to the Raju people.

Text Source:   Joshua Project