Their name comes from hurka which is a hand drum. The Hurkiya are a scheduled caste which gives them low to medium status in India. They speak Kumaoni and Hindi.
In Uttar Pradesh the Hurkiyas are mostly day laborers. Others sell such things as combs, mirrors and toys. Some of them have a good reputation as tailors. A caste association looks after their needs and judges their disputes. Hurkiya in Uttarakhand prefer to marry within their group or clan, further closing them off from possible Christian influence.
In Uttarakhand they are Hindus while in Uttar Pradesh they are Muslims. They keep mostly to their individual clans. This leads to much confusion and diversity within their belief and value systems. They also have folk beliefs in spirits, and they follow the advice of shamans. There is no evidence that they have ever been influenced by the knowledge of the one true God who loves them.
Hurkiya people need the opportunity to advance socially and economically. They need to take advantage of higher education. There might be opportunities for Christ's followers to help them in the areas of education and their economy.
Pray that gospel materials will be useful for them to begin Discovery Bible Studies. Pray for a spiritual hunger to develop among Hurkiya people that will lead them to Christ. Pray for obedient intercessors and workers who will bring the full range of Bible resources in their Hindi language to them.
Scripture Prayers for the Hurkiya in India.
| Profile Source: Keith Carey |
