Bhoi Kharbind in India

Introduction / History

The Bhoi Kharbind or Kharkata are a Hindu people living in east central India. The vast majority reside in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The two primary languages of the Bhoi Kharbind are Hindi and Bhojpuri.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Their main occupations are agricultural work and making items from bamboo and straw like baskets and mats. Many Bhoi Kharbind own land but some work as landless laborers.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Kharbind Bhoi 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?

There is a lot of pressure to remain in the religious system of one's ancestors. For this reason, it is important that those who go as Christ' ambassadors reach community leaders first.

Prayer Points

There may be no believers among the Bhoi at the present time. Pray that God brings many into his kingdom soon.
Pray that the Kharbind leaders will come to Jesus Christ and lead others to him so that their entire community can be blessed by God.
Pray that gospel materials and radio programs in Hindi will lead them to salvation.
Pray for a movement of Bhoi Kharbind households to study the Bible and accept the blessings of Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project