Kalabaz in India

People Name:	Kalabaz
Country:	India
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	13,000
World Population:	13,000
Primary Language:	Hindi
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Dalit - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Kalabaz people claim that they were originally Rajputs who migrated to Uttar Pradesh during the Mughal Empire, which started in the 16th century. During this time, the Kalabaz people began to work as acrobats.

Where Are they Located?

Most of the Kalbaz people live in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh. This state is India's most populated, and also the state with one of the lowest percentage of Christ followers. There are about one in 1,000 who follow Christ in this part of India.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Many of these 14,000 landless people still work as acrobats, though others either tend livestock or repair bicycles. Some are day laborers or they work for the military. They would like to save money for future needs, but their poverty prevents them from doing this. They don't have any folklore or traditional dances unique to them. It is common for Kalabaz women to get sterilized. Kalabaz women have low social status, and they are not allowed to participate in decision-making. However, if they are divorced, the husband must compensate her monetarily and he must also take responsibility for the welfare of the children.

What Are Their Beliefs?

This scheduled caste is 100 percent Hindu. Their family deities are Kali Mata, Bhairo Devta, and Bajrangbali. Like most Hindus, they depend on Brahmin priests to conduct their rites and rituals.

What Are Their Needs?

The Kalabaz people need someone to teach them marketable skills that will lead them out of poverty. Followers of Christ can help with these matters. Believers can also distribute Christian materials such as the JESUS Film and biblical materials in Hindi, north India's most widely spoken language.

Prayer Points

Pray for laborers to go to the Kalabaz people with the gospel of peace.
Pray for the Kalabaz people to be open to Christ, the Light of the World.
Pray for Christian materials to become widely available in Kalabaz communities.