Introduction / History

Though the primary religion practiced by the Dharhi is Islam, there are also Hindus in the greater Dharhi community. Whenever there is a religious divide, the community divides itself by religious affiliation. Like many people groups in India, the Dharhi were once all Hindu until Muslim invaders took their religion into this part of South Asia. Today about 60-65 percent are Muslim, and the rest are Hindu.

Where Are they Located?

Both Hindu and Muslim Dharhi people live mainly in Uttar Pradesh, India.

What Are Their Lives Like?

While they maintain their traditions of singing in their villages, many are day-laborers. The Hindu Dharhi people live among many other castes within these villages. Special councils look after the interests of the various communities and deal with social infractions.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Hindus among them worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Hindus believe that by performing rituals and good works that they will attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. 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 many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs.

The main yearly holidays of the Dharhi people are 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?

The Dharhi people, be they Muslim or Hindu, need to understand that it is by grace they are saved, not by works that no one can boast. They need to be submitted to the King of kings in order to have the abundant life Jesus offers His followers.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Dharhi culture to be renewed and enhanced by a work of the Holy Spirit and shaped into a God-centered and God-honoring mold.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among Hindu Dharhi family and community leaders to seek His face and enjoy His blessings.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers who will be compelled to nurture a disciple making movement among the Dharhi people.
Pray that soon the Dharhi people will have faith that will lead them to live honorable lives that will draw others to the Savior.

Scripture Prayers for the Dharhi (Hindu traditions) in India.

References

wikivisually.com/wiki/Dharhi
peoplegroups.org/Explore/GroupDetails.aspx?peid=41848