Beriya (Hindu traditions) in India

People Name:	Beriya (Hindu traditions)
Country:	India
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	54,000
World Population:	54,000
Primary Language:	Hindi
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Dalit - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

One source considers "Bediya" to be the generic name of a number of vagrant nomadic groups. Traditionally, a large section of the Bedia were reported to be earning a livelihood from prostitution and dancing, however, this has largely been discontinued. The Bedia in Uttar Pradesh speak Awadhi and read and write in Devanagari.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They now work in agriculture. Women help a lot by earning money. They believe in education but have a low literacy level, so the gospel will need to be presented in oral forms. They have good relations with the landlords in the region.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Bedia worship Hindu deities like Thakur, Shiva, Parvati, Hanuman, Chamunda, Kali and Sitala and Khermata, a local deity. Unlike most Hindus they bury their dead rather than cremate them.

What Are Their Needs?

The Bedia people need better education and a higher standard of living. They need opportunities to enter into new professions.

Prayer Points

Pray that Indian believers will lead them to a movement to Jesus Christ. Pray the few followers of Jesus among the Bedia will have pastors and teachers to help them grow to become faithful disciples. Pray for spiritual hunger that will lead them to the only Savior.