Introduction / History

No one know where the Balasantoshi came from. They may have been a tribal group or wandering nomads in the past. If they had their own language, it has long ago disappeared, and they now speak Marathi, the trade language of Maharashtra.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Their lives are very similar to other low-status people. They are generally landless and have little personal property and few animals. Their education level is low. Most have some primary school, but few go on to secondary education. With little education and no land, the Balasantoshi do menial work. Many are “bonded laborers,” that is, people who are in bondage until debts are paid. (Money lenders charge 5-36% per month interest.) Other menial jobs include house servants, beggars and garbage separators. Backward caste people live in poor housing on the edges of towns with questionable supplies of water and few toilets.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Balasantoshi 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?

Although there are government programs to help backward castes, few people take advantage of them. Microcredit loans with reasonable interest rates would help them. Schools and clinics may not always be close or affordable (local situations vary).

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among Balasantoshi elders and family leaders, opening the entire group to his saving grace.
Pray for community development to benefit the Balasantoshi people.
Pray for workers who are willing to live among them and become catalysts in development.
Pray for the enforcement of usury and slavery laws.

Scripture Prayers for the Balasantoshi in India.