Pasi Kaithwan in India

Introduction / History

The legend about the origin of the community is that one day a man was going to kill a number of cows. Parashuram was at that time practicing austerities in the jungle. Hearing the cries of the sacred animals he rushed to their assistance, but the cow killer was aided by his friends. So Parashuram made five men out of kusha grass and brought them to life by letting drops of his perspiration fall upon them. Hence arose the name Pasi, from the Hindi pasina (sweat).
There are now separate Pasi communities, some are Muslim, but most are Hindu. They have subgroups, one of which is the Kaithwan. This subgroup lives in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Punjab.
The Pasi community is especially numerous in India, but they also live in Bangladesh and Nepal.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Despite this flattering legend, the Kaithwan Pasi people have low status in South Asia, especially among other Hindus. They have untouchable status, which is very low. Their occupation involves producing toddy, an alcoholic beverage. Both Hindus and Muslims frown on the use of alcohol, but there is a demand. The Pasi community may at one time herded pigs, a profession that would give them low status among Muslims.
This community speaks a number of languages, so they might need separate church planting projects for each language group.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Kaithwan Pasi people practice Hinduism, which has left its mark in all countries of South Asia. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. 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 other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins. Almost all Hindus participate in yearly celebrations like 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?

This community speaks a number of languages. Separate church planting projects may be needed for each language group. Stories from scripture, films, recordings, and gospel radio for each language spoken by the Kaithwan Pasi community will be helpful.

Prayer Points

Pray for God to bless every Pasi community economically and spiritually as a testimony of his goodness and power.
May God overthrow spiritual forces of darkness opposing the spread of his gospel among the Kaithwan Pasi community.
Pray for the followers of Christ that will soon develop within the Kaithwan Pasi community, that the Lord will provide pastors and teachers for them, and for them to become well-grounded in the faith, fully trusting in Christ.
Pray the Kaithwan Pasi community will increasingly be aware of their need to know and follow Jesus Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project