Subgroups: 2
Subgroup Name | Population ▼ | |
---|---|---|
Ladjin | 14,000 | |
Raojin | 7,600 |
The Vanjara or Banjara originally came from the western Indian state of Rajastan. Their main occupation before the British period was transporting salt, cattle and grain. Their name means "dwellers of the forest or jungle." During colonial times and the coming of the railroads, the Vanjara ceased their nomadic ways and settled down to become farmers. The Vanjara now grow rice, other grains, vegetables and fruit for themselves and to sell to others. They also raise cattle for dairy products and sale. The Vanjara also make bamboo products like baskets and mats to sell.
In the Vanjara community there is a wide disparity in their education levels. Some have college educations while most are barely literate or illiterate.
In most Indian states they are a Scheduled Class meaning they are eligible for guaranteed spots in universities and public service.
The primary language of the Vanjara is Marathi. Some others speak Telegu and other regional Indian languages.
The vast majority of the Vanjara live in Maharashtra, west India. Some also live in Telangana and other regions of India.
The formerly nomadic Vanjara have settled down to live as farmers. One source said that the men are allowed to eat meat except for beef while the women must be vegetarians. The women work in the homes and in the fields. They are especially skilled in embroidery. The men also work in the field and make things to sell for currency. Unfortunately, most children receive only a minimal education and must work in agriculture to help support their families.
The Vanjara are endogamous, they prefer to marry within their group. Families arrange marriages. Sons inherit property upon the death of their fathers. They create their dead except for young children who are buried.
The Vanjara practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. They worship and serve the many gods of the Hindu pantheon. They offer food, incense and flowers at Hindu temples and at household shrines.
Sevala or Sevabhaya is the most important saint of the Banjara. He was a cattle merchant of the 18th century who lived an exemplary of morality. He was a musician and devoted to Durga, the mother-warrior goddess.
Banjara people celebrate the festival of Teej during Shravana (the month of August).
This holiday celebrates the monsoon season and the god Shiva and goddess Parvati.
The Vanjara also celebrate the yearly Hindu festivals, of Holi, the festival of colors, Diwali, the festival of lights and Navratri, the nine-day festival of autumn.
The Vanjara need to hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ in a way they can understand. Christian teachers could help with the educational needs of their children. Agricultural experts could increase the crop yields of their lands. The Vanjara must see that Durga and Shiva will not help them obtain salvation and that their only hope is Christ.
* Scripture Prayers for the Vanjara in India.
* Pray that God moves Indian Christians to reach out to the Vanjara and share the gospel with them.
* Pray Christian workers come to live among the Vanjara and show them the love and mercy of God.
* Pray the Lord wins some Vanjara to Himself and that Bible-believing churches are planted in their community.
Source en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banjara
Profile Source: David Kugel |
Global Prayer Digest: 2020-01-09 |
People Name General | Vanjara |
People Name in Country | Vanjara |
Pronunciation | vahn-jah-RAH |
Population this Country | 952,000 |
Population all Countries | 952,000 |
Total Countries | 1 |
Indigenous | Yes |
Progress Scale | 1 ● |
Unreached | Yes |
Frontier People Group | Yes |
GSEC | 1 (per PeopleGroups.org) |
Pioneer Workers Needed | 19 |
Alternate Names | Vantari; Vindhar; Wandhara; Wanjara; वंजारा |
People ID | 18329 |
ROP3 Code | 113879 |
Affinity Bloc | South Asian Peoples |
People Cluster | South Asia Hindu - other |
People Group | Vanjara |
Ethnic Code | CNN25 |
Affinity Bloc | South Asian Peoples |
People Cluster | South Asia Hindu - other |
People Group | Vanjara |
Ethnic Code | CNN25 |
Total Subgroups | 2 |
Ladjin 14,000 | |
Raojin 7,600 |
Country | India | ||||||
Region | Asia, South | ||||||
Continent | Asia | ||||||
10/40 Window | Yes | ||||||
National Bible Society | Website | ||||||
Persecution Rank | 10 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) | ||||||
Total States on file | 6 | ||||||
Largest States |
|
||||||
Specialized Website | South Asia Peoples |
Country | India |
Region | Asia, South |
Continent | Asia |
10/40 Window | Yes |
National Bible Society | Website |
Persecution Rank | 10 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) |
Total States | 6 |
Maharashtra 832,000 | |
Telangana 108,000 | |
Karnataka 10,000 | |
Odisha 600 | |
Gujarat 500 | |
Delhi 100 | |
Website | South Asia Peoples |
Primary Language | Marathi (829,000 speakers) | ||||||
Language Code | mar Ethnologue Listing | ||||||
Language Written | Yes ScriptSource Listing | ||||||
Total Languages | 6 | ||||||
Secondary Languages |
|
Primary Language | Marathi (829,000 speakers) |
Language Code | mar Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 6 |
Secondary Languages | |
Telugu 102,000 | |
Hindi 39,000 | |
Kannada 2,000 | |
Konkani 800 | |
Gujarati 400 | |
People Groups | Speaking Marathi |
Primary Language: Marathi
Bible Translation ▲ | Status (Years) |
---|---|
Bible-Portions | Yes (1807-1957) |
Bible-New Testament | Yes (1811-1982) |
Bible-Complete | Yes (1821-2015) |
Bible-NT Audio | Online |
Bible-NT Text | Online |
Possible Print Bibles | |
---|---|
Amazon | |
World Bibles | |
Forum Bible Agencies | |
National Bible Societies | |
World Bible Finder | |
Virtual Storehouse |
Resource Type ▲ | Resource Name |
---|---|
Audio Recordings | Audio Bible teaching (GRN) |
Audio Recordings | Online New Testament (FCBH) |
Audio Recordings | Online Scripture (Talking Bibles) |
Audio Recordings | Online Scripture / Bible |
Audio Recordings | Oral Bible stories in Marathi |
Audio Recordings | Story of Jesus audio (Jesus Film Project) |
Film / Video | Following Jesus (India, JF Project) |
Film / Video | God's Story Video |
Film / Video | Indigitube.tv Video / Animation |
Film / Video | Jesus Film: view in Marathi |
Film / Video | Magdalena (Jesus Film Project) |
Film / Video | My Last Day (Jesus Film Project Anime) |
Film / Video | Story of Jesus for Children (JF Project) |
General | Bible Visuals |
General | Four Spiritual Laws |
General | God's Simple Plan |
General | Gospel website in this language |
General | Got Questions Ministry |
Mobile App | Download Bible from Google Play Store |
Text / Printed Matter | Bible: मराठी - Marathi |
Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
Major Religion ▲ | Percent * |
---|---|
Buddhism |
0.22 %
|
Christianity (Evangelical 0.00 %) |
0.00 %
|
Ethnic Religions |
0.00 %
|
Hinduism |
99.78 %
|
Islam |
0.00 %
|
Non-Religious |
0.00 %
|
Other / Small |
0.00 %
|
Unknown |
0.00 %
|
* From latest India census data. Current Christian values may substantially differ. |