Bishnoi (Hindu traditions) in India

Introduction / History

Bishnois were founded by a Rajput of Bikaner, who was born in 1451 A.D. The adherents of the sect are the descendants of immigrants from Bikaner, parts of Haryana and Punjab and are exclusively Jats or some Rajputs by caste, though they often abandon the caste name and describe themselves simply as Bishnois.
The Bishnois are presently spread over the western parts of Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Bishnois are lovers of wild animals. It is because of their protection that in Bishnoi-dominated areas, deer and antelope are seen grazing in their fields despite the fact that the state of Rajasthan where most Bishnois live, faces severe water shortages. In recent years, the Bishnoi community has launched protests against the killing of black bucks by Salman Khan, a Bollywood film star and Mansur Ali Khan of Pataudi, a former Indian cricketer.
They are teetotalers and normally they wear white shirt, dhoti and turban. This dress pattern is ideal for the hot dry desert climate. They pay special attention to cleanliness in their houses. Only one crop of pearl millet (bajra) is grown during the monsoon season. The bushes, which grow in the fields, protect the loose sand from wind erosion and provide the much-needed fodder for animals during a famine. Bishnois often live in little hamlets called 'Dhannis', with just a few round huts with intricate thatched roofs. The mud floors are plastered with cow dung to keep vermin away. The interiors are airy and clean. There is a granary to guard their rations and a sump for stored water.
Bishnois in Haryana and Punjab are much wealthier than other castes. The Bishnois are noted for being excellent farmers, but they have extended themselves into the fields of IT as engineers or the government sectors as militants or social workers. They have been known to intermarry with Jat people and Rajputs as well as among themselves.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The most prominent pilgrimage place of the Bishnois is situated at village called Mukam in Rajasthan. They have other important pilgrimage sites as well.

What Are Their Needs?

There are some good foundations for the gospel to make headways into Bishnoi culture. They love nature; they need to be introduced to the one who created nature. They have high morals; they need to know the one who gave us the 10 commandments.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Bishnois will have a spiritual hunger that will open their hearts to the King of kings.
Pray for workers who are driven by the love and boldness of the Holy Spirit to go to them.
Pray for a movement to Christ among them to begin this decade.

Text Source:   Joshua Project