Introduction / History

The Patelia are a Scheduled Tribe in Gujarat, India, though some live over the border in Pakistan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They typically work in some aspect of farming. The men regularly consume alcoholic drinks, smoke bidi and cigarettes, and chew tobacco and betel. Their traditional community council is responsible for maintaining social control.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Patelia are Hindus, and some practice ancestor worship. They are mainly worshippers of Shakti and Devi. Their sacred specialists are from their own community. The Patelia traditionally do not accept water or food from the Mama Bhil and Kotaliya Bhil communities as they consider themselves higher in the social hierarchy.

What Are Their Needs?

The Patelia people need an encounter with their creator that will give them hope and a future.

Prayer Points

Pray for the followers of Christ will become real disciples of Jesus Christ, obedient to His commands, filled with all the fruit of his Spirit. Pray they will honor Jesus in all they say and do. Pray the Patelia will hunger to know the creator God, one who loves them and offers an abundant life through faith in his Son, Jesus Christ. Pray for a Disciple Making Movement among the Patelia this decade.

Scripture Prayers for the Patelia in Pakistan.