Balija Dasari 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: | Balija Dasari |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 59,000 |
| World Population: | 59,000 |
| Primary Language: | Kannada |
| 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 Dasari Balija live in Andhra Pradesh. Their name comes from performing one act plays which they do not do so much now. They speak, read and write in Telugu.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Dasari Balija work mostly as laborers now. The women collect firewood and help with financial matters. They have a council to look after their needs. Their education level is low, so the gospel will need to be presented in oral forms. The bereaved and divorced can marry again. On the death of the father, sons inherit the property with the oldest son becoming in charge of the home. They bury their dead instead of cremating them.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Dasari Balija 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?
They need to accept the blessings of Jesus Christ, the one who came to give life to the full.
Prayer Points
Pray that Indian believers make it their mission to help the Dasari Balija people find their way to the cross.
Pray that gospel recordings and the JESUS Film will become easily available.
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will lead them to Jesus Christ, the only savior.