The Bishnoi are a community of nature worshippers that live mainly in India, though some are further west in Pakistan. The guru who founded the sect directed the worship of lord Vishnu (Bishnu), hence the name Bishnoi. On one day in the year 1730, 363 Bishnoi individuals voluntarily gave up their own lives in order to spare the cutting of trees growing near their village. The first lady to resist the tree cutters said, "If a tree is saved even at the cost of one's head, it's worth it." The axe intended for the tree severed her head, the first of 363 sacrifices.
The Bishnoi people in Pakistan do not fit in with the general population in terms of their lifestyle or their religious beliefs. Pakistan does not welcome people outside the Islamic faith.
Bishnoi literally means 29. That's the number of rules given them by their founder in 1485. He saw a vision of the people destroying the environment. Their Hindu culture became intertwined with respect for nature. The rules encompass protecting animals, trees, and any type of life. Other rules cover social behavior—they don't lie or criticize others. There are also rules about personal hygiene and health—they don't smoke, drink alcohol or eat meat. Finally, there are rules about spiritual life that include fasting. They are forbidden from making animal sacrifices. The dung they use to fuel their fires is carefully inspected to ensure that no ants or other insects are incinerated.
The Bishnoi people in Pakistan need to find sustainable ways to earn a living.
Pray for Holy Spirit sent workers to go to the Bishnoi people, both in India and Pakistan. Pray for a spiritual hunger among the Bishnoi people so that they will be receptive to the teachings of Christ. Pray for a movement to Christ among the Bishnoi people this decade.
Scripture Prayers for the Bishnoi (Hindu traditions) in Pakistan.
Profile Source: Joshua Project |
People Name General | Bishnoi (Hindu traditions) |
People Name in Country | Bishnoi (Hindu traditions) |
Pronunciation | bish-NOY |
Alternate Names | Bishnoi; Bisnoi; Marwadi; Marwari; Vighiamal; Vishio; Vishnoi; Visro; Wisnoi; बिश्नोई (हिंदू ट्रेडिशन्स) |
Population this Country | 1,700 |
Population all Countries | 789,000 |
Total Countries | 2 |
Indigenous | Yes |
Progress Scale | 1 ● |
Unreached | Yes |
Frontier People Group | Yes |
Pioneer Workers Needed | 1 |
People ID | 16464 |
ROP3 Code | 111628 |
ROP25 Code | 301263 |
ROP25 Name | Bishnoi |
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 |
Punjab 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 | Saraiki (1,500 speakers) | |||
Language Code | skr Ethnologue Listing | |||
Language Written | Yes ScriptSource Listing | |||
Total Languages | 2 | |||
Secondary Languages |
|
Primary Language | Saraiki (1,500 speakers) |
Language Code | skr Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 2 |
Secondary Languages | |
Marwari 200 | |
People Groups | Speaking Saraiki |
Primary Language: Saraiki
Bible Translation Status: Unspecified
Resource Type ▲ | Resource Name | Source |
---|---|---|
Audio Recordings | Audio Bible teaching | Global Recordings Network |
Audio Recordings | Story of Jesus audio | Jesus Film Project |
Film / Video | Jesus Film: view in Saraiki | Jesus Film Project |
Film / Video | World Christian Videos | World Christian Videos |
General | Bible for Children | Bible for Children |
General | Biblical answers to your questions | Got Questions Ministry |
General | Gospel resources links | Scripture Earth |
General | YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio | YouVersion Bibles |
Mobile App | Android Bible app: Miniafia Oyan: Saraiki | YouVersion Bibles |
Mobile App | iOS Bible app: Saraiki | YouVersion Bibles |
Text / Printed Matter | Literacy primer for Saraiki | Literacy & Evangelism International |
Photo Source | Anonymous |
Map Source | People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project |
Profile Source | Joshua Project |
Data Sources | Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more. |