Introduction / History

The Bogam Balija are also called Natavallolu. The word Bogam has to do with pleasure because their traditional work involved dancing. Not many of them do that now. They speak, read and write in Telugu and Kannada, the languages of their home states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Bogam Balija work mainly in agriculture and in businesses. They make use of government help.

The Bogam Balija have cousin marriages. They have adult marriages arranged by their families. Male divorcees and widowers can marry again. Sons and daughters get the same share of the property on the death of the father. The professionals among them cremate the dead while the rest of them bury the dead.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Bogam Balija people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. They visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. There are other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins.

What Are Their Needs?

They need to accept and embrace the spiritual and social blessings that only a transformed life can offer. A relationship with Jesus Christ would provide them with life to the full.

Prayer Points

Pray for spiritual direction and openness to the claims of Christ.
Pray for a Disciple Making Movement among them this decade.
Pray that God gives them dreams and visions leading them to put all their faith in Jesus Christ.

Scripture Prayers for the Balija Bogam in India.