Bania Bais in India
Photo Source:
Anonymous
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Bania Bais |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 147,000 |
| World Population: | 148,300 |
| 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 Forward Caste - Bania |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Their name means "one who occupies the soil." For many generations the Bais have been both powerful and wealthy.
What Are Their Lives Like?
In the world's eyes the Bais find themselves much admired, but also resented. They are a proud people known for their wealth and entrepreneurism. In the spiritual realm, however, the Bais Banias are poverty stricken.
What Are Their Beliefs?
As wealthy Hindus, the Bais Banias are usually not spiritually minded. Some perform Hindu rituals to gain favor in the spiritual realm. Others are attracted to Hindu philosophy. Most are too grounded in the here and now to take much thought to their spiritual lives.
What Are Their Needs?
Perhaps one of the biggest obstacles keeping the Bais from knowing God is their standing in society. Like other people of high status, they find it difficult to admit their sins, surrender themselves to God, and receive his gift of salvation. Like the rich young ruler, many refuse to risk their status and wealth for eternity in Paradise.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Bais to be granted the humility necessary to accept Christ as their lord and savior.
Ask God to thrust forth workers to this people group who can communicate the gospel in a way the Bais can clearly understand.
Pray for the believers among the Bais to boldly share their faith.