Introduction / History

This is a fishing community that once was considered to be the lowest community. Their status is no longer that low, and they live in villages alongside other communities. At one time they were forced to live in separate villages. They might no longer go by the name Ujia.

Where Are they Located?

The Hindu Ujia people live in Odisha, a state in eastern India. They claim to be the original settlers in the Mayurbhanj district.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Since they still use out-dated fishing techniques rather than fishing boats, the Ujia people are poor. They have a way to catch fish in rivers and streams using nets and basket traps. They usually don't make enough money from fishing, so they also work for others to supplement their income. A small number have obtained the loans they need to buy modern fishing equipment.

What Are Their Beliefs?

These fishermen worship Mahakala, who is associated with fishing. They have a strong faith in Hindu gods, especially the ones ones they think will provide them prosperity and safety. Like other Hindu communities, the Ujia people worship certain gods at the community and the village level. They perform certain rituals to their gods when there is an outbreak of cholera or small pox. Twice a year they perform special rituals to their ancestral spirits.

What Are Their Needs?

These fishermen need to learn from the disciples John, Peter, and others to follow the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

Prayer Points

Pray for an abundant blessing of Ujia families and communities as they embrace Jesus Christ, the Lord of Lords.
Pray for a movement to Christ that will enrich the Ujia community.
Pray for spiritual openness to Jesus Christ that will not be hindered by the false belief in religious institutions rather than the person, Jesus Christ.

Scripture Prayers for the Ujia in India.

References

https://books.google.com/books?id=qxxnZ4XxUbsC&pg=PA156&lpg=PA156&dq=Ujia+people+in+India&source=bl&ots=fFLePP3SfF&sig=ACfU3U05NFeTZJYsiqmIOzTgFmdKrnvrHA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjrn8zEvb_jAhWMJzQIHevAAekQ6AEwAnoECAkQAQ#v=onepage&q=Ujia%20people%20in%20India&f=false
Peoples of India: Odisha, vol XVI, part 2, pp. 1531-35, K.S. Singh