Bajgi in India

The Bajgi have only been reported in India
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.

Introduction / History

The Bajgi community's name is derived from the Garhwali word "baj" which refers to the playing of music. They play drums and other instruments in Hindu temples and at important life ceremonies like births, weddings and funerals.

The Bajgi are classified as a scheduled caste which means they receive preferences in government jobs and university admissions.

The two main languages of the Bajgi are Garhwali and Hindi. The New Testament and the JESUS Film are available in Garhwali. Many Christian resources exist in Hindi. They live in north central India.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Bajgi people are best known for playing drums on Hindu holidays. Many of them are tailors or barbers. Because these professions involve interacting with other communities, they share common folk art and even marriage partners with other people groups. Many Bajgi also work in agriculture on land owned by others. Illiteracy is a problem for the Bajgi especially for their women and girls.

The Bajgi marry within their group and with other sudra level castes. They tend to have a large number of children. Rural Bajgi often lack access to modern medicine and clean water.

Sons inherit their father's property. It is the sons' responsibility to take care of elderly relatives. Bajgi marry one spouse. Their children often quit school after a few years to help their families make a living. Some Bagji have received a college education and now work in government and the professions. Young Bajgi people are leaving village life and moving to Indian cities searching for a better life. They frequently lack job skills so they are forced to take low-paying jobs.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Bajgi 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 as Christians do. 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 Bagji need access to modern medicine. They need new job skills so they can prosper in the modern Indian economy. Most of all the Bajgi need to hear and respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ. He alone can forgive their sins and grant them eternal life.


Prayer Points

Pray that the Bajgi communities will find Christ to be the only one God worthy of their worship.

Pray for the Lord to send out loving workers to the Bajgi people.

Pray for dreams and visions to draw Bajgi elders and leaders to the only savior.

Pray that the Lord will raise up a growing church among the Bajgi of India in this decade.


Scripture Prayers for the Bajgi in India.


References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bajgi#:~:text=The%20Bajgi%20are%20a%20Hindu,means%20to%20play%20an%20instrument.

https://www.encyclo.co.uk/meaning-of-Bajgi


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

Additional Info
Global Prayer Digest: 2006-09-09
People Name General Bajgi
People Name in Country Bajgi
Alternate Names Auji; Dhaki; Shilpkar Bajgi; Silpkar Bajgi; Taori; Toori; Turi; बज़गी
Population this Country 37,000
Population all Countries 37,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
People ID 16302
ROP3 Code 111429
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States on file 3
Largest States
Uttarakhand
28,000
Himachal Pradesh
7,900
Uttar Pradesh
1,000
Districts Interactive map, listing and data download
Specialized Website South Asia Peoples
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States 3
  Uttarakhand 28,000
  Himachal Pradesh 7,900
  Uttar Pradesh 1,000
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.06 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
99.89 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.04 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Garhwali (19,000 speakers)
Language Code gbm   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 11
Secondary Languages
Hindi
6,500
Punjabi, Eastern
2,500
Pahari, Mahasu
1,500
Kangri
600
Bilaspuri
500
Kumaoni
200
Bhojpuri
200
Sirmauri
200
Chambeali
40
Mandeali
30
Primary Language Garhwali (19,000 speakers)
Language Code gbm   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 11
Secondary Languages
  Hindi 6,500
  Punjabi, Eastern 2,500
  Pahari, Mahasu 1,500
  Kangri 600
  Bilaspuri 500
  Kumaoni 200
  Bhojpuri 200
  Sirmauri 200
  Chambeali 40
  Mandeali 30
People Groups Speaking Garhwali
Photo Source COMIBAM / Sepal 
Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.