Introduction / History

The Badaik people are also called Chik and Chik-Bakaik. Like many dalit groups, the Badaiks are not vegetarian. They eat mutton, chicken, fish, eggs, as well as their staple, rice.

Until 1960, the Badaiks were dependent on weaving for their livelihood, but today many are engaged in agricultural work, though most are involved with industrial labor. Despite large-scale occupational mobility, they have retained their traditional crafts, such as weaving, spinning, basketry, carpentry, pottery, thread-making, etc. They have not made significant gains in education. As India industrializes, the Badaik people have benefited from health services, roads, electricity, and better drinking water.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Badaik religious practices draw from both Hinduism and Animistic practices. They call their community priests "pahan," and draw them from two other ethnic communities. Their Hindu worship is mostly devoted to Shiva, one of Hinduism's main three gods.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Badaik people will soon see the light of Christ, and forsake all others.