Bhil Vasave in India
Photo Source:
Belurmath - Flickr
Creative Commons
|
Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
|
| People Name: | Bhil Vasave |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 1,230,000 |
| World Population: | 1,230,000 |
| Primary Language: | Vasavi |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.72 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Tribal - Bhil |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
|
Introduction / History
Traditionally the Vassave people were hunters and gatherers. They are a subgroup of the Bhil tribes and a scheduled tribe of Maharashtra. In Gujarat, the Vasave are the largest of the Bhil peoples. They are called Vassava in Maharashtra and Gujarat, and Vassave in Rajasthan.
Where Are they Located?
This Bhil subgroup lives in Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Gujarat, three states in western India.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Their work is in agriculture, laboring, managing and looking after animals. Many work as construction workers, but there are also doctors and engineers among them. They have a traditional council to look after their interests. They speak Bhil and Marathi.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Hinduism is their religion though some of them have become Christians. They worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Hindus believe that by performing rituals and good works that they will attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. They visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. There are many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs.
The main yearly holidays of the Vassave people are Holi, the festival of colors and the start of spring / Diwali, the festival of lights / Navratri, the celebration of autumn / and Rama Navami, Rama's birthday.
What Are Their Needs?
The Vassave people need the chance to find their way to the only Savior, Jesus Christ. There are few believers in their part of India.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among Vassave family and community leaders to seek His face and enjoy His blessings.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers who will be compelled to nurture a disciple making movement among the Vassave people.
Pray that soon the Vassave people will have faith that is more precious and durable than gold.