Bania Sinduria in India

Introduction / History

The name Sinduria comes from the word sindoor meaning red vermilion, a reference to their traditional association with selling vermilion. They are one of the mercantile Bania groups that lives in Odisha. They speak, read and write in Oriya, the language of Odisha.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Sindura are landless. They make and sell vermilion and use markets. The women help with getting the vermilion ready as well as with other things. Some do vaccinations. Many of them are now day laborers. They are poorly educated, so the gospel will need to be given in oral form.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Sindura Bania 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 Sinduria Bania people need the abundant life that only Jesus Christ can offer.

Prayer Points

Pray that Indian believers will help them to begin their own movement to Christ. Pray that gospel recordings and the JESUS Film will become widely available to them. Pray for intercessors and workers among them. Pray for spiritual openness to the lordship of Christ.

Text Source:   Keith Carey