Tili in India

People Name:	Tili
Country:	India
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	1,279,000
World Population:	1,355,000
Primary Language:	Bengali
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 Hindu - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Tili derive their name from the Sanskrit word talika, or taila, used for the oil extracted from sesame and mustard, thus referring to their traditional occupation. There are many subgroups, perhaps more than 100.
They are scattered throughout India but concentrated in West Bengal. A smaller number live in Bangladesh.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Vermilion, bracelets, a finger-ring, earrings, and a nose-stud are the symbols of married women, but this varies by location. Marriage is solemnized according to Hindu Vedic rites at the bride's residence.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They are Hindu and worship family, village and regional deities such as Ganesh, Manasa, Kali, Thakurani, and Gamota. They have sacred specialists from their own and other communities who perform rites connected with life-cycle rituals and who treat diseases.

What Are Their Needs?

The Tili people desperately need the oil of the Holy Spirit to bless their communities.

Prayer Points

Pray for disciplers to go to the Tili people and teach them to obey all Jesus taught.
Please pray this caste group will be given an interest in Jesus, and that they will be accurately taught who he is and what he has done on their behalf.
Pray for the light of the gospel to penetrate the spiritual darkness.