Gujarati in Myanmar (Burma)

Introduction / History

The Gujarati are primarily classified as the inhabitants of the state of Gujarat, western India. For most of them, Gujarati is their native language. They are a complex people group, speaking various dialects and having many cultural distinctions.

Gujarat is one of the most industrialized states in India. Its lengthy coastline and numerous harbors have made it a focal point of travel and trade. The Gujarati are known as being resourceful businessmen. This has helped them to successfully emigrate and thrive around the world.

For this reason there are significant Gujarati communities in roughly 27 nations. Many are in Africa but others can also be found in Myanmar, Iran and Malaysia. Living conditions in these countries vary; however, the Gujarati who have emigrated are usually from the higher, wealthier castes and have maintained many aspects of their own culture. They are often involved in trade or in operating small businesses.

Myanmar is near India, and both were once British colonies. Many Gujaratis and other Indians fled during riots in 1930. More left because of the Japanese invasion in 1942. They were not given citizenship until 1982. In Myanmar most Gujaratis live in Yangon.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Gujarati are divided into a number of social groups. In Gujarat, villages generally lie in clusters and sub-clusters based on the caste system. The castes are actually culture groups, based not only on occupations, but also on such things as customs, manners, and habits.

The Hindus, who make up the largest group, are divided into a number of castes or jatis. The structure of their society is based on the principles of "purity and pollution." The priestly class, known as the Brahmin, is in the highest position, while servants and laborers are in the lowest caste. Unfortunately, despite various degrees of acculturation, most Hindus retain their strong cultural ties.

Most marriages in Gujarati societies are arranged. For the Hindu Gujarati, caste and social rank are very important considerations. Marriage is an alliance between two families, not just two individuals.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The majority of the Gujarati are Hindus, regardless of their location in the world. However, a significant number of them have maintained their Muslim ties. The Hindu clergy are drawn from the highest caste, the Brahmins. Therefore, becoming a priest is essentially a matter of birthright, although not all Brahmins practice as priests. This position also carries high status within the Hindu community.

Hindus teach such things as yoga and reincarnation (a continual cycle of death and rebirth). They believe that the soul may be reincarnated as an animal or as a human. The law of karma states that every action influences how the soul will be born in the next life. Gujarati Hindus hope to better their positions in this life and in the life to come by exhibiting charity, being devoted to the gods, and showing mercy to fellow humans and cows. If a person lives a good life, his soul will be born into a higher state. Whereas, if he leads an evil life, his soul will be born into a lower state. The cycle continues until spiritual perfection is achieved. Then the soul enters moksha, a new level of existence, from which it never returns.

Hindu shrines contain sculptured images of their gods. They don’t consider this idol worship since they believe the gods are actually present in the images. The folklore of the Hindu Gujarati reflects the mythology surrounding the Hindu deity, Krishna. Dances in honor of Krishna have survived in the form of the popular folk dance known as garaba.

What Are Their Needs?

In many countries where there are Gujarati communities, there are no missionary agencies focusing on this people group. The Bible is available in their language, but the Gujarati must see Christianity lived out. Only then will they understand that true freedom and peace are found in Jesus Christ alone.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to raise up loving workers who are willing to share Christ with the Gujaratis in Myanmar.
Pray that Gujarati Christ followers will be bold and loving in their witness for Christ.
Ask the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of the Gujaratis to the only savior so they will allow him to transform their lives.
Pray that Gujarati businessmen will be evangelized and disciple their own people.
Ask the Lord to raise up strong fellowships of believers among the Gujarati.

Text Source:   Joshua Project