Parhaiya 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: | Parhaiya |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 35,000 |
| World Population: | 41,600 |
| Primary Language: | Hindi |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.77 % |
| 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 name Parahiya literally means "the burners of the forest" or "hill dweller." The Parahiya tribe live in the Sonbhadra District of the Uttar Pradesh in North India. The area they live in is mostly hilly and isolated from other settlements.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Parahiya people rely on the forest for their sustenance. The majority of the Parahiya people work on collecting various types of forest produce such as roots, fruits and leaves and sell them at the local markets. Hunting is also one of the major sources of income.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Parahiya 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?
They need Christ followers from neighboring tribes to help them gain access to the gospel. The Parahiya people need a John 10:10 blessing: The abundant life Jesus offers those who are willing to submit to his lordship.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Parhaiya culture to be renewed and enhanced by a work of the Holy Spirit and shaped into a God-centered and God-honoring mold.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among their family and community leaders to seek his face and enjoy his blessings.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers who will be compelled to nurture a disciple making movement among the Parhaiya people.
Pray that soon the Parhaiya people will have faith that will lead them to live honorable lives that will draw others to the savior.
Pray that their interactions in marketplaces will lead them to Christ and thereby salvation.