The Bhalla often call themselves Bhule or Bhulo, meaning "one who habitually forgets." They claim to have a Brahmin background. According to their legend, one of their ancestors left his sacred cord on a leaf while bathing. That is how they lost their Brahmin status.
In the recent past they were soldiers hired by the zamindars. Once the zamindari system was ended, some Bhalla people became robbers.
There are no subgroups and only two clans: Kashyap and Khunerashi.
Bhalla villages are blessed with many useful trees: mango, banana, jackfruit, banyan, coconut and bel. With the trees come birds, rats, squirrels and snakes. They not only grow crops but also keep ducks and chickens for the eggs and meat.
Marriages are determined by clans and family leaders. At one time they married as children, but this is no longer the case. Usually there is one husband and one wife. They still practice the dowry system. The Bhalla community is known for the dance-drama called raibeshe. This features music, songs and gymnastic feats. They often preform these at weddings.
Once married, a wife takes responsibility in the home and in child rearing. She has little to say in local political matters. Within the family, parents show much affection to their children.
Bhalla women are very involved with Hindu religious rituals. They have pollution rituals after a baby is born.
They have no family or clan deity, but the tortoise is their family totem. Therefore, they do not eat tortoise meat.
As Hindus, they celebrate all the regular festivals such as Holi. Religious festivals are important to them, especially ones that honor the Hindu goddesses Durga and Kali. Their religious beliefs do not change very much from generation to generation.
They need the Holy Spirit to open their eyes so they can see Jesus as he is.
Pray for many from this unreached people group to understand both God’s judgment and his majestic glory.
Pray for loving workers to go to the Bhalla people, and for their hearts to be ready to receive their savior.
Pray for a chain reaction of families reaching families that result in thousands of new disciples who share their faith with others.
Pray for grace and truth expanding into their entire society as all believers learn to love others.
Scripture Prayers for the Bhalla in India.
People of India, Vol 25. K.S. Singh. 2003
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
