Munda in United States

Introduction / History

The Munda probably came to India from Southeast Asia hundreds of years ago. Most Munda live across northeast and central India. Most Indian Hindus see the Munda as outside the caste system. The Munda are one of the largest tribal people groups of India. They are one of the Scheduled castes, which means the Munda are guaranteed places in education and government jobs. During the colonial period much of their land was taken away and they became agricultural workers tied to the land.

The Munda live primarily in the northeast Indian states of Assam, Jharkand, Odisha and West Bengal. Others live in Bhutan and Nepal. A few live in the United States.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Munda people have a rural background. They are in the process of adjusting to life in the United States.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The majority of the Munda consider themselves Hindus. However, orthodox Hindus see the Munda as practicing a religion called Sarnaism, the religion of the holy woods or Sal trees. Followers of Sarnaism worship the Creator God, Dharmesh or Singbonga, and the Mother Earth Goddess, Chalapachho Devi. Those who practice Sarnaism worship in village temples or in sacred groves of Sal trees. Each village has one or more priests who lead in worship. A small percent of Munda call themselves Christians.

Prayer Points

Pray the Munda Christians would receive Bible and leadership training and be willing to share the gospel with their brothers and sisters.

Pray that Bible believing churches would be established among the Munda both in India and the United States.

Pray for a spiritual hunger that will lead them to abandon all for the sake of the cross.

Pray Munda disciples will take Christ to other Hindus in the United States.

Text Source:   Joshua Project