The name Bafinda, or Bafand, is derived from the Persian word baften, meaning cotton dresser. When cotton cultivation stopped in Kashmir with the advent of foreign-made fabrics, they largely shifted to carpet weaving but now are engaged in many vocations. They generally marry only within their own community. Tonsure (cutting some hair on the scalp as a sign of religious devotion or humility) has been reported among the Bafinda. They follow the Islamic law of inheritance.

Jammu and Kashmir, the home of the Bafinda people, is an area of consistent tension between Muslims and Hindus, between Pakistan and India. A certain amount of danger may be encountered when doing Christian ministry in this region.

Please pray for Gospel radio to be widely availlable throughout Kashmir, in Urdu and other languages of this area.

None of the Muslim Bafinda people have reported themselves as Christians to the census of India or Pakistan. Please pray for any secret believers there may be.

Please pray for peace throughout Jammu (largely Hindu) and Kashmir (largely Muslim).

Scripture Prayers for the Bafinda in India.