Baori in India

Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Baori
Country: India
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 456,000
World Population: 456,000
Primary Language: Hindi
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Christian Adherents: 0.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: South Asia Dalit - other
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Baori are described as a nomadic group and have been associated with criminal activities in the past. This community has three occupational divisions: the Kapadia, who sell old and used garments; the Magnia, who subsist by begging; and the Chatnia, who beg and eat discarded food. According to their perception, the last group is socially inferior to the other two.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Because of their lifestyle, it may be difficult for Christian workers to contact the Baori people and establish trust.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Baori 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?

Christians need to feel genuine compassion and concern for these people, and not be condescending. There may be opportunities to minister to the physical and material needs of the people.

Prayer Points

Pray they will learn and practice the ways of Christ.

Pray for these poor people to be able to properly provide for their families.

Pray they will make schooling for their children a priority.

Text Source:   Joshua Project