Sarera (Hindu traditions) 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: | Sarera (Hindu traditions) |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 35,000 |
| World Population: | 35,000 |
| Primary Language: | Punjabi, Eastern |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.35 % |
| 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 term sarera means scutching cotton, which was their traditional occupation. "Scutching" refers to removing impurities such as seeds from raw cotton. This community is divided between those who follow Hinduism and those who follow Sikhism.
Where Are they Located?
The Hindu Sarera people live in the Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Sarera people, be they Sikh or Hindu, work as agricultural laborers, in road construction, and in small factories. They have low status in Indian society.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Hindu Sarera worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Hindus believe that by performing rituals and good works that they will attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. 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 many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs.
The main yearly holidays of the Sarera people are 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 Sarera people need the chance to become part of God's family through a submitted relationship with Jesus Christ.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Sarera culture to be renewed and enhanced by a work of the Holy Spirit and shaped into a God-centered and God-honoring mold.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among Sarera family and community leaders to seek His face and enjoy His blessings.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers who will be compelled to nurture a disciple making movement among the Sarera people.
Pray that soon the Sarera people will have faith that will lead them to live honorable lives that will draw others to the Savior.