Sauntia 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: | Sauntia |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 93,000 |
| World Population: | 93,000 |
| Primary Language: | Odia |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.65 % |
| 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 Sauntia are a scheduled caste of Odisha who speak, read and write in Odia. They often use Pradhan as their surname.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Sauntia work mainly in agriculture which is their traditional work. Some of them are day laborers. They believe in education but have a low literacy level, so the gospel will need to be given in oral form. The Sauntia prefer cross cousin marriages. They are endogamous at the community level.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Sauntia 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.
What Are Their Needs?
The Sauntia people need a loving relationship with God the Father so they can enjoy life to the full.
Prayer Points
Pray that Indian believers will help the Sauntia people to begin their own movement to Christ. Pray for a spiritual hunger that will lead them to the blessings of Jesus. Pray that gospel recordings and the JESUS Film will help thousands to find the only savior.