Balai (Hindu traditions) in Pakistan


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* From latest Pakistan census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.

Introduction / History

The Balai or Balahi live in the central states of India. "Balai" means messenger in Hindi. Their traditional occupations were that of landless farm laborers, weavers and village watchmen.
In India the primary language of the Balai is Hindi. They also speak other regional languages such as Dhundari, Nimadi, Mewari and Malvi. The large majority of Balai live in the Indian states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Many also live in the Capital Territory of Delhi. There is a small group of them further west in Pakistan who speak Sindhi.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Balai people are very poor. Although they can eat meat except for beef and pork, they seldom can afford it. Their diet consists of rice, grains and whatever roots and vegetables they can obtain.
Balai do not marry members of their families such as cousins. Instead, they marry within their gotra or clan and community. Brahmin priests perform the weddings. Adult marriage is the general practice. Brides go to live with the groom's family. Sons inherit family property.
Women often work as domestic servants to supplement family income. Some Balai have risen in Indian society to careers as masons, carpenters and business owners. Unfortunately, many Balai are still illiterate.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Almost all Balai are Hindus. They worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Balai give special service and attention to Durga, the mother-warrior goddess. They visit her temples and travel to her shrines. Balai celebrate the traditional Hindu holidays such a Holi, the festival of colors, Diwali, the festival of lights and Navratri, the festival of the beginning of spring. Unlike most Hindus they bury their dead.


What Are Their Needs?

The Balai need to hear the life-changing gospel of Christ in a way they can understand. They need to see that true spiritual wealth is found only in Jesus. They need help in becoming literate so they can read the Bible in Hindi and raise their position in Indian society.


Prayer Points

Pray that the small group of Balai Christians would be built up and trained to share the gospel with their brothers and sisters.
Pray the Lord sends gospel workers to live among the Balai and demonstrate the love and care of our Father and Savior.
Pray that God is honored by the planting of many Bible-believing churches in the Balai community.


Scripture Prayers for the Balai (Hindu traditions) in Pakistan.


References

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balai
indianetzone.com/50/balahi_caste.htm


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Balai (Hindu traditions)
People Name in Country Balai (Hindu traditions)
Population this Country 1,700
Population all Countries 2,669,000
Total Countries 2
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
Alternate Names Bakhoalhai; Balahi; Balai; Bulai; Meghbansi; Meghwal; Mehra; बलाई (हिंदू ट्रेडिशन्स)
People ID 16309
ROP3 Code 111438
Country Pakistan
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 7  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Country Pakistan
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 7  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States 1
  Sindh 1,700
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
100.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest Pakistan census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Sindhi (1,400 speakers)
Language Code snd   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 2
Secondary Languages
Dhatki
300
Primary Language Sindhi (1,400 speakers)
Language Code snd   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 2
Secondary Languages
  Dhatki 300
People Groups Speaking Sindhi
Photo Source Anonymous 
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. Read more