Koli (Hindu traditions) in Pakistan

People Name:	Koli (Hindu traditions)
Country:	Pakistan
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	276,000
World Population:	2,940,700
Primary Language:	Sindhi
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.76 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Dalit - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Koli Hindu community is a people group in Pakistan, primarily concentrated in the Sindh and Punjab provinces. They are believed to be descendants of the indigenous people of the Indian subcontinent and have their own unique cultural practices, customs, and traditions.

They have their own distinctive language, Koli, which is a dialect of Sindhi. Many Koli Hindus also speak Punjabi and Urdu, which are the official languages of Pakistan.

Despite their small numbers, the Koli Hindus have contributed significantly to Pakistani society. Many have excelled in the fields of politics, education, and business. However, like other minority groups in Pakistan, the Koli Hindus have faced discrimination and marginalization, particularly in terms of access to education and job opportunities.

Where Are they Located?

The Kolis live in Pakistan's Sindh Province and many of India's northern states. Kolis in Pakistan are concentrated in the Thar Desert, east of the Indus River. Most of the Thar Desert is in India, and it forms a natural boundary between these two hostile nations. It is one of the world's largest desert regions.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Koli Hindus are mainly involved in agriculture and animal husbandry, although some also work as laborers or artisans.

Life is hard in the Thar Desert for the Koli people, especially the women who must collect firewood and water each day.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Koli Hindu community is predominantly Hindu, although there are some who practice Islam or Sikhism. They celebrate various Hindu festivals, including Diwali and Holi, and have their own unique traditions and customs associated with these events.

What Are Their Needs?

The Koli peoples do not have adequate drinking water. Every day the women have to collect water and firewood from a distant source. Christians can help them with these needs by helping with well projects. The Koli people need to hear that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, and there is no other. There is nothing we can do to save ourselves.

Prayer Points

Pray for a team of knowledgeable believers to help the Koli people build and maintain wells in their desert homeland.
Pray for the Koli people to have easy access to the many Christian resources that are available to them in the Sindhi language.
Pray for a disciple-making movement to begin among the Koli people and spread to other Muslim peoples in Pakistan.