Balija (Hindu traditions) in India

People Name:	Balija (Hindu traditions)
Country:	India
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	1,789,000
World Population:	1,789,000
Primary Language:	Kannada
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.01 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Hindu - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The two main languages of the Balija are Kannada and Telugu. Many also speak Tamil. The Hindu Balija people reside in South India mostly in the states of Andhra Prades, Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They are an ethnic minority with only a small political voice in domestic and governmental affairs. They derive their income from a variety of sources. Some trade in bangles, pearls, and salt, while others have turned to farming and land ownership. A few have jobs in government and medical services.

The social life of the Balija follows along lines of the caste system. They marry outside the clan, but only within their people group. Families arrange marriages. Sons inherit their father's property. Widows are not allowed to remarry. Sons have the responsibility of taking care of elderly parents. They are not vegetarians but as Hindus do not eat beef. They are allowed to drink alcohol, a factor that indicates a low caste status. Alcoholism is a problem among these people.

The Balija tend to have large families. Their rural villages often lack access to modern medicine and clean water. These factors result in high child mortality. Children often quit school after a few years to help support their families. Illiteracy is a major issue for Balija women and girls. Many young people are leaving the villages and moving to Indian cities in hope of a better life.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The 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. 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?

Rural Balija need good schools for their children. They need new job skills if they are to make progress in Indian society. These people need to realize that they cannot please God without being empowered by the Holy Spirit. They cannot have the Holy Spirit without having Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Balija would experience true spiritual freedom in Christ this decade.
Pray that neighboring Indian believers would take the gospel to Balija communities.
Pray for Balija followers of Christ to find fellowship and disciple others who in turn will disciple others.
Ask the Lord to send Holy Spirit anointed workers to the Balija.
Pray that Balija parents would be able to provide for their children with better schools.
Ask the Lord to raise up a disciple making movement among the Balija in this decade.