Introduction / History

The Hela people of Uttar Pradesh are a landless people. Some are agricultural workers, but they are better known as scavengers, mat-weavers, and basket-weavers. In today's world some are in business, trade, and services. Most live in urban areas, especially those that live in neighboring Madhya Pradesh.

Families negotiate who will marry whom. They marry their daughters at about age 16 and their sons between 29-22. The wedding is at the bride's home, but they have a nuptial ceremony at the groom's home. They allow for divorce for either party on the grounds of adultery, maladjustment, or cruelty. Women can generate income, and they are involved with rituals and religious matters.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Hela people are almost entirely Hindu. They worship all the Hindu deities and participate in all Hindu festivals. At Hela weddings, they worship family deities. Every family propitiates their own family and clan gods.

Prayer Points

Pray that they will give their entire devotion to Jesus Christ.