Turaiha in India
Photo Source:
Gerald Roberts
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Turaiha |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 409,000 |
| World Population: | 412,000 |
| Primary Language: | Bhojpuri |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Hindu - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Turaiha people have low status as do other tribal peoples in India. Upper caste Hindus will not enter their homes or associate with them. Many of them are unable to read or write. The main population of Turaihas is located near the different rivers and lakes in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal. A small population of Turaiha live in Bangladesh. The main two language of the Turaiha are Bhojpuri and Hindi. Many Christian resources are available in both languages. There are currently no known believers in this tribal people.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The chief occupation of Turaiha people is fishing, cultivating water nut, and making handheld fans and baskets. They are considered some of the best fishermen in India. They catch and sell fish for their daily income. They drink liquor and toddy. They are not vegetarian but as Hindus they will not eat beef.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Turaiha people are Hindu. Their brand of Hinduism is heavily influenced by folk religion. The Turaiha believe they are descended from the Sun god. The patron deity of the Turaiha is Sanichar Raja. Their main festival involves offering goats, pigs, grains, and bread to their gods.
What Are Their Needs?
The Turaiha people need the opportunity to become children of the most-high God. Only the gospel of Jesus Christ can transform their lives. They need to learn new job skills if they are to improve their position in Indian Society.
Prayer Points
Pray for the salvation of the Turaiha people, and that God will send out several Christian workers to tell them about Jesus. Pray that the Lord will raise up a disciple making movement among the Turaiha this decade.