Bahelia (Muslim traditions) in India

Introduction / History

The Bahelia are said to have come from a Rajput status and Hindu Bahelia have been known to refer to themselves as Chhetri jati. Legend says that they were once from an honored social status, but after a key defeat as many soldiers retreated to the jungle and resorted to killing and eating wild animals. Since that time the Bahelia have been considered as low in status. As Bahelia they are known as Scheduled Caste in the states of Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They can be found in all types of wage labor jobs and in some areas still are involved in bird catching and selling. The Bahelia women in some parts of India have a tradition in the making of fans from the peacock feathers. Based on their low position they tend to have low literacy. In Nepal the Muslim Bahelia speak Bhojpuri and Urdu.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Today the Bahelia remain as a primarily a Hindu group, especially in India. Hinduism is a catch-all term for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. 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 other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins.

Almost all Hindus participate in yearly celebrations like 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?

In India the Bahelia people have a reputation for working with government programs for income generation and self-employment. Development projects have succeeded among some Bahelia that have improved the economy of the community. Pray that similar Christian projects could bring both economic and spiritual blessing to the Muslim Bahelia of Nepal as well.

Prayer Points

Pray that the sheer wonder of knowing Jesus and the impact he has on their lives and the joy he brings spur believers to share Christ with the Bahelia people.
Pray the hearts of the Bahelia people would be stirred by a sovereign work of the Holy Spirit readying them for the time when they hear the gospel message being shared with them.
Pray they will experience dreams and visions of Jesus leading them into a saving relationship with him.
Pray for an unstoppable movement to Jesus Christ among the Bahelia people.

References

Text Source:   Joshua Project