The Bharia Bhumia is a forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribe of Madhya Pradesh. They have various clans which regulate marriage alliances. Some of these clans are Bhardia, Bijaria, Amelia, Bagothia, Pachalia, Thakaria, and Mehania. The Bharia are wage-earners, as most are landless. A part of their livelihood is derived from collecting and selling firewood. Some work as laborers for contractors, while a few work as rickshaw-pullers and errand boys. Some are engaged as sharecroppers and graziers. They worship deities like Hanuman. They also worship most of the Gond deities like Baradeo, Buradeo, and Nagbaba. Their important festivals are Holi, Diwali, Bhujalia, Akhati, Shivratri, and Rakhi. Their literacy rate is very low.

A low literacy rate suggests that printed presentations of the Gospel will be inadequate for the Bharia community. Stories from scripture, recordings, and videos will all be needed and useful.

Jesus needs to be presented to them as more than just another deity in their pantheon of gods. Pray God's people will relate the story of the One who is above all.

Several in the Bharia community have identified themselves as Christians to the Indian census. Please pray for teachers to be sent to these people, to help them become firmly established as followers of Jesus. Pray for the Bharia to see the importance of providing a good education for their children. They very much need to raise the literacy rate in their community, and they need to acquire skills to make them employable.

Scripture Prayers for the Bharia Bhumia in India.