Halleer in India

Introduction / History

Almost all of the members of the Halleer community live in rural parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They were once hunters and gatherers, but now most of them are musicians who play at social functions like weddings. They are also engaged with many forms of farm work. During lean times they do basket weaving and honey gathering. In two separate Hindu temples in Maharashtra some of their women have become Devadasis, or Hindu temple prostitutes.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Halleer people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase 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?

This Hindu community has not been exposed to the gospel. They do not have their own language. Instead, they use the main language of whatever state they live in; Marathi in Maharashtra, and Kannada in Karnataka. Both languages have many Christian materials including New Testaments and the JESUS Film.

Prayer Points

Pray for evangelistic materials to find their way into every Halleer home.

Pray for spiritual hunger that will lead Haleer people to seek and find the only savior.

Pray for a disciple making movement to flourish among the Halleer people.

Pray for workers, sent and equipped by the Holy Spirit.

Text Source:   Joshua Project