Badhai (Hindu traditions) in Nepal

People Name:	Badhai (Hindu traditions)
Country:	Nepal
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	38,000
World Population:	7,864,000
Primary Language:	Maithili
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.15 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Hindu - Badhai
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Hindu Badhai are also known as Vishwakarma. They are successors of Vishwakarma, the chief architect in Hindu culture. Another famous Badhai was Maharishi Angira. In ancient times Badhai were described as various rishis or saints involved in meditation in jungles for inner vision and performing scientific experiments for the betterment of others.
Before the Industrial Revolution in Europe the Badhai enjoyed the status of chief engineer / architect in Indian villages and cultures. Ancient Indian art and culture particularly building, temples, chariots war equipment was part of their wisdom and knowledge. Deep inner vision and talent gave them the credit to create various idols and images of Hindu gods and goddesses to be worshiped by all. They provided sketches or blueprints to various other assisting technical castes for work. Giving direction as per enlightenment gave them the status of divine people thus called Vishwakarma. Though they are most numerous in India, some live in Pakistan and Nepal.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Large numbers of Badhai in many communities have lost their jobs after the influence of industrialization and more and more people from other castes doing various technical works. Thus their inherited craftsmanship and skills are less praised or required and due to falling status of technical craftsmanship. To suggest entrepreneur manual labor to a Vishwakarma is not acceptable to them as they have much pride and strong self-esteem.
They are usually employed in the fields of engineering and education, small-scale industrial manufacturing typical doing engineering work for large industries. Some Badhai work in the areas of carpentry, stonework and timber trade.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They are traditional Hindus and follow the ancient way as they themselves created various forms of Hindu idols and temples. Their identity is closely tied in with the Hindu religious system.

What Are Their Needs?

One of their needs is systematic education in field engineering as they have strong technical inheritance.

Prayer Points

Pray for a movement to Christ among India’s Badhai people that would rival that which happened in the book of Acts.
Pray for loving and Holy Spirit anointed workers to go to them.
Pray for the spiritual hunger it takes to make Christ lord of all.