Mirdhas (Hindu traditions) in India
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Mirdhas (Hindu traditions) |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 153,000 |
| World Population: | 153,000 |
| Primary Language: | Odia |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.24 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Tribal - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Mirdas are a Scheduled Tribe of India. They have subgroups. They trace their ancestry to the Oraon tribal peoples. They are living in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Mirdas people work as farmers. They do floor and wall painting and basket work. They usually marry their cousins. A traditional village council looks after their interests. They have a low literacy level especially among females, so they will need to hear the gospel in oral forms.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Mirdas 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. Almost all Hindus participate in yearly celebrations like 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?
The Mirdas people need to find their way to serve and love God with all their hearts and minds.
Prayer Points
Pray that the council leaders will come to Jesus Christ and lead others of the Mirdas to Him. Pray that gospel recordings and the JESUS Film will become widely available to them. Pray for intercessors and workers. Pray for a spiritual hunger that will lead them to the only Savior.