Introduction / History

The Parja name vaguely refers to "common citizens of the kingdom." They live in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha near other scheduled tribes. They speak Parji and Odiya.

The Parja have a couple of subgroups, one of which is the Jodia Parja.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Agriculture is the main work of the Jodia Parja. They are educated to at least primary school level. The Jodia Parja people prefer cousin marriages, and one husband and one wife is the custom. The bereaved are allowed to marry again. They only marry within their community. The dead are either buried or cremated. On the death of the father, sons inherit the property with the oldest son taking charge of family affairs. A village council looks after their interests.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Hinduism is their religion; however, they are not vegetarians. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for local religions of South Asia. The Jodia Parja people worship and serve various gods of the Hindu pantheon.

What Are Their Needs?

The Jodia Parja people need the blessings that only Lord Jesus Christ has to offer: life to the full. They have a low literacy level, so the gospel will need to be given in oral form and not simply in written form. There are Bible resources in written and audio form. The JESUS Film is available in Odia, their spoken language.

Prayer Points

Pray Jodia Parja council leaders come to Jesus Christ and lead their entire people group into a disciple making movement. Pray that gospel recordings and the JESUS Film will lead hundreds to Christ. Pray for intercessors and workers for the Jodia Parja people.

Scripture Prayers for the Parja Jodia in India.