Soiri in India

Soiri
Photo Source:  Copyrighted © 2024
Isudas  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Soiri
Country: India
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 95,000
World Population: 95,000
Primary Language: Hindi
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Christian Adherents: 0.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Ministry Resources: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: South Asia Hindu - other
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Hindu Soiri people in India have a background primarily connected to agriculture and traditional crafts. They primarily speak regional languages based on their geographic location within India, such as Hindi, Bengali, or Telugu.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Soiri people live in rural villages and small towns, focusing on farming and small-scale craftsmanship. They grow crops such as rice, wheat, and various vegetables. Many also engage in weaving, pottery, and other artisanal crafts, contributing to their local economy. Their diet includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, featuring staples like rice, lentils, vegetables and meat. Traditional dishes vary by region but often include dal (lentil soup), roti (flatbread), and various vegetable and meat curries.

Weddings among the Soiri are elaborate, involving rituals like the exchange of garlands, sacred fire ceremonies, and celebrations with traditional music, dance and communal feasting. These events typically span several days and involve extensive community participation.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Soiri people practice Hinduism, worshiping various deities and observing numerous religious rituals and festivals such as Diwali, Holi and Navratri. Their belief system emphasizes values like dharma (duty), karma (actions and consequences), and ahimsa (non-violence). They conduct rituals and ceremonies to honor their ancestors and deities, integrating elements of their daily life and occupations into their spiritual practices.

What Are Their Needs?

The Soiri people need better access to quality education to provide more opportunities for their children. Improved healthcare services are essential due to the limited availability of medical facilities and high rates of preventable diseases. Economic support through vocational training, modern agricultural practices, and sustainable craftsmanship techniques can enhance their livelihoods. Infrastructure development, including better roads, clean water supplies, and reliable electricity, will greatly benefit the Soiri community. Addressing these needs will help the Soiri people achieve greater socio-economic stability while preserving their traditional way of life.

Prayer Points

Pray the hearts of the Soiri people would be stirred to hunger after God, to drink of living water.
Pray for family-based Disciple Making Movements to soon transform Soiri society, blessing them spiritually and economically.
Pray for the Lord to move in the hearts of believers to give up their own rights and sacrifice their lives to see the Soiri people blessed by the work of Jesus Christ, the only savior.

Text Source:   Joshua Project