Introduction / History

Traditionally the Kunbi peoples belong to the fourth of the Hindu Varnas, Sudra. The Kunbis have several sub-sectors including the Anjna, the Lewa, the Kadwa and the Lonari. These social divisions regulate marital alliances.

The Lonari Kunbi people live entirely in central India. They have been farm workers, land owners, salt workers or cement makers in the past.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Some of the Lonari Kunbi now own land and work in cultivation. They sell vegetables and other food at the market. Some work for the government. They are more likely, however, to still make cement or burn charcoal. Some still prepare salt like their ancestors.

Their marriage ceremonies have several stages. Like most Hindu people groups, family elders arrange for marriages. A Brahmin priest picks an auspicious day based on astrological forecasts and a series of rituals involving heaps of rice and a betel nut. Each couple has a chosen deity to protect their marriage. They are endogamous (they prefer to marry within the caste) and have cousin marriages but do not marry others with the same surname. They allow for divorce and remarriage for various reasons including incompatibility, foul temper, adultery and impotency. The divorced and bereaved can only marry those in a similar position to themselves. For example, a bachelor cannot marry a widow. Sons inherit the property and the dead are usually cremated.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Lonari Kunbi people worship all Hindu gods and participate in all Hindu festivals. They also worship saints and gurus. They also worship certain animals such as the cobra, the horse and the cow. Some worship banyan trees. When there is an outbreak of cholera or smallpox they worship Mari and Shtala. The cremate the dead but bury those who are small children and those who died of smallpox or leprosy.

What Are Their Needs?

The Lonari Kunbi people need to have the chance to make Jesus Christ their Lord so they can experience his life to the full.

Prayer Points

Pray for spiritual hunger that will lead these people to the foot of the cross. Pray for intercessors and workers to bless the Lonari Kunbi people with the presence of Christ. Pray that gospel materials and the internet will lead them to begin their own disciple making movement.

Scripture Prayers for the Kunbi Lonari in India.

References

India Missions Association, Edited by Philipose Vaidyar, Copyrighted © Used with permission.