Bhulia in India

Introduction / History

Bhulia are a caste of weavers who are also known as Bholia, Bhoriya, Bholwa, Mehar and Mihir. They have no sub castes. One legend says that the Buhlia migrated to Odisha with the first Chauhan Raja of Patna. It is thought they may belong to a north Indian caste who do not know their origin. Bhulia live mostly in Odisha.

What Are Their Lives Like?

According to Bhulia wedding customs, the bridegroom is expected to carry the bride seven times around the sacrificial fire in a basket. If he cannot, the grandfather of the bride carries them both. The married couple go back to the village after the wedding ceremony. Divorce is allowed and widows are permitted to marry again.
Bhulia eat meat and drink alcohol, which is not allowed for most Hindu communities, especially those with high status.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Bhulia people speak the Odiya language. Bible written, audio, and visual resources exist in Hindi, yet Buhlia people remain unreached.
Bhulia people are Hindus and worship most Hindu gods like Shiva, Vishnu and Rama. They also worship family and village Gods. They also worship their ancestors. The celebrate Hindu festivals such as Holi, Diwali and Dusshera.

What Are Their Needs?

Their most important need is to understand that their good works and worship of spirits will never pay the penalty for their sins. They need to know that Almighty Creator God has made a provision for them.

Prayer Points

Pray that Bhulia people will see that their old systems of ethics and religion are not working, and that their only hope is in Jesus Christ.
Pray that intercessors worldwide will regularly pray for the Bhulia people.
Pray for workers to disciple them. Pray that many Bhulia will disciple others until this people group is blessed with the knowledge of the Lord.
Ask God to raise up entire families and communities until their culture is transformed to fully glorify God and represent his kingdom here on earth.

Text Source:   Joshua Project