The Baria are a community primarily in Gujarat, but are also in other states. Mainly a landowning community, agriculture is the traditional as well as present-day occupation of the Baria. Social control is regulated by their caste council. Property is equally divided among the sons, while the house is inherited by the youngest son of the family. Baria women work in the fields and forests, and as laborers in road construction work to supplement the family income. Women wear a golden armlet (kada) and apply spangle (tikki) on their forehead as marriage symbols. Baria worship clan deities on important occasions. They visit shrines and temples of Hindu gods and goddesses and celebrate Janmashtami, Holi, Dhuleti, Raksha Bandhan, Diwasa, Dussehra, Diwali, etc.

Spiritual opposition can be expected as Jesus is presented. Workers need to be prayerfully prepared for this.

Perhaps Christian workers in other communities will be led to take the good news of Christ to the Baria. Pray they will be obedient to this leading.

There are probably no followers of Jesus today among the Baria. Pray the Lord will begin to stir the hearts of many in this community to know the creator God. Pray the Baria will soon be set completely free from the worship of created things. Spiritual matters are spiritually understood, therefore, pray for the Lord's Spirit to grant understanding.

Scripture Prayers for the Baria (Hindu traditions) in India.