The Beldar Lonari live in Maharashtra. They speak Marathi, Kannada and Hindi and read and write in Devanagari. They are not vegetarians who eat rice as a cereal.
The Beldar Lonari people work mostly as laborers in the limekilns. Women work there as well. Children often support their families. They allow divorce if approved by the council. On the death of the father, sons inherit the property.
The Beldar Lonari 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.
Almost all Hindus participate in yearly celebrations like Holi, the festival of colors and the start of spring / Diwali, the festival of lights / Navratri, the celebration of autumn / and Rama Navami, Rama’s birthday.
The Beldar Lonari people need to experience the abundant life only offered by Jesus Christ.
Pray that God gives them dreams and visions, leading them to Jesus Christ.
Pray that the council leaders come to Jesus Christ and lead others to him.
Pray for loving and dedicated workers to go to the Beldar Lonari community.
Scripture Prayers for the Beldar Lonari (Hindu traditions) in India.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
