Mali Bhagirathi 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: | Mali Bhagirathi |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 94,000 |
| World Population: | 94,000 |
| Primary Language: | Hindi |
| 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 - Mali |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Bhagirathi Mali is a caste. They claim to be descendants of the Ikshvaku Dynasty king Sagara and the Suryavansha king Bhagiratha. They also believe they have ties with Lord Rama.
This caste lives in Central India, especially Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Others live further north in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Haryana.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Over time the Bhagirathi Mali caste has moved into farming and business. They grow vegetables.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Bhagirathi Mali 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?
These people need to put their hope and identity in the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Prayer Points
Pray for workers to go to the Bhagirathi Mali people, and for their hearts to be ready to receive the only savior.
Pray for families of believers loving and serving others to grow reproducing churches.
Pray for a chain reaction of families reaching families that results in thousands of new believers who share their faith with others.
Pray for grace and truth expanding into their entire society as all believers learn to love others.