Bhojki in India

Introduction / History

Little is known about the history of Bhojki people. Their name, Bhojki, means "to feed" taken from their duties serving goddesses in the great temples of Kangra and Jawalamukhi.

Where Are they Located?

The Bhojki people live in Jammu and Kashmir, India.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They consider themselves priests to be supported by income of the temples. They are known as a quarrelsome people of low morality, frequently involved in litigation. They eat meat and drink wine. They intermarry among themselves.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The primary religion practiced by the Bhojki is Hinduism, the predominant religious tradition of the Indian subcontinent. There are many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs. They worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Hindus believe that by performing rituals and good works that they will attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. They officiate in Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a person or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. There are many forms of Hinduism each with its own deities and beliefs.

The main yearly holidays of the Bhojki people are Holi, the festival of colors and the start of spring/Diwali, the festival of lights/Navratri, the celebration of autumn/and Rama Navami, Rama's birthday.

What Are Their Needs?

Although audio, visual and written Bible resources are available in their Kangri language, they remain unreached and unengaged with the truth of the gospel. Their greatest need is to understand the infinite love of Almighty God for them and his provisional payment of the penalty for their sins.

Prayer Points

Pray for gospel workers to catch a vision for reaching the Bhojki people for Jesus and that in God's sovereign timing their hearts would be open and ready to follow Him.
Pray for Jesus movements to bless extended Bhojki families so the gospel will spread rapidly among this people group.
Pray for the spiritual lives of the Bhojki people to become fruitful as they follow Christ.
Pray for the lives and culture of the Bhojki people to evidence the rule and reign of the Kingdom of God as they open to the gospel, and for the beauty of Jesus to be seen in them.

Text Source:   Keith Carey