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: | 416,000 |
| World Population: | 419,100 |
| Primary Language: | Bhojpuri |
| 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: |
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Introduction / History
The Turaiha are a fishing Hindu community. Some believe they stem from the Tomar Rajputs, which would give them far higher status. In the process of safeguarding their lives and sustaining livelihoods, some adopted agriculture and other local occupations. The Turaihas are also known as Turai, Turaha, Turahiya and Turha.
The main population of Turaihas is located near the different rivers and lakes in Rohilkhand, Meerut, Agra, Oudh and Benares Division of Uttar Pradesh as well as Bihar and West Bengal. There is a small Turaiha group in Bangladesh.
Turaiha people used to speak Hindi, Bhojpuri, Matheli, Oudhi, or Bengali. Those in Bangladesh speak Bengali and those in India usually speak Bhojpuri.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The chief occupation of Turaiha people is fishing, cultivating Singhara (water nut), making handheld fans, and baskets. They are some of the best fishermen in India. They catch and sell fish for their daily income.
They drink liquor and toddy. The Turaihas eat mutton, pork, fish, tortoises, and crab.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Turaihas are Hindu. They believe they are descended from the Sun god. The great deity of the Turaihas is Sanichar Raja. Their main festival is held on Saturday in the month of Sawan at the shrine of Sanichar Raja, where offerings include goats, pigs, kheer, grains, and bread.
What Are Their Needs?
The Turaihas need reliable health care and new job opportunities. They need the gospel to give them hope and a future. Thousands of Bhojpuri-speaking Christ followers in India can reach them.
Prayer Points
Pray for Bhojpuri-speaking Christians to reach out to the Turaihas in India with the gospel.
Pray that new work opportunities will come to the Turaihas.
Pray that Christianity will bring modern medicine and antibiotics to the sick of the Turaiha community.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to work a miracle among the Turaiha family leaders, giving them the willingness to seek and find Christ regardless of the social cost.