Introduction / History

The name Sinduria comes from the word sindoor meaning red vermilion, a reference to their traditional association with selling vermilion. This is a subgroup of the business oriented Bania community, and some claim to be Kayasth, a wider business community. The Sinduria are also known as kathbaniya.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Bania are a business-oriented community, often associated with money lending and shop keeping. The Sinduria subgroup has members who are not as prosperous as most Bania groups. However, they are advancing in today’s world.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Sindura Bania 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?

The Sinduria Bania people need the abundant life that only Jesus Christ can offer.

Prayer Points

Pray that Indian believers will help them to begin their own movement to Christ. Pray that gospel recordings and the JESUS Film will become widely available to them. Pray for intercessors and workers among them. Pray for spiritual openness to the lordship of Christ.

Scripture Prayers for the Bania Sinduria in India.

References

Herbert Hope Risely. Tribes and Castes of Bengal. Kathbaniya caste
Wikipedia: Kathbaniya, sinduriya caste.
The wire: sinduriya baniya in bihar