Introduction / History

The Bharewa people also go by the name Bharia. They are a scheduled tribe in India, living in the forests of the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh. Traditionally they lived in forest, where they gathered food and hunted wild game. Their language is from the wide Dravidian language family.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Bharewa still live in the forests, gather food for their daily needs. Some are farmers. More recently many of them have become day laborers and small time traders.

They have their own artistic expression which include music, dance and storytelling.

This tribe faces a threat to their ancestral lands. If they lose their land, they will have to become common laborers unless they find a more reliable way to earn a living.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Bharewa 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 Bharewa people need to put their trust and identity in the hands of the loving God of creation who sent his son to make it possible for them to enter the Kingdom of God.

Prayer Points

Pray for a "Book of Acts" type of movement to Christ among the Bharewa.

Pray God will have mercy on the Bharewa, doing whatever it takes to place them in a position to receive him.

Ask God to open the hearts of the Bharewa to the gospel.

Pray for an unstoppable movement to Christ among them.

Scripture Prayers for the Bharewa in India.