Hijda in India

The Hijra, also known as Hijda, is a community of eunuchs who typically dress like women. Many choose to undergo a castration ceremony, removing their male genitalia as an offering to the Hindu goddess Bahuchara Mata. Others are born intersex. They give themselves female names and identify with being a "third gender." Mainly located in the South Asian countries of Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, they are a religious and social part of Hindu life, performing ceremonies at weddings and births. They are often used as prostitutes. Hijras have been known to be brutally beaten in places like prisons, police stations, and homes. They have the Hijra Kalyan Sabha and the Dai Welfare Society to look after their interests. The Hijras are believed to possess the power to bless or curse.

Ministry Obstacles
There are many powerful spiritual barriers to the gospel among this people group that only the Lord can address.

Scripture Focus
"And many peoples shall come, and say: Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths. For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem."  Isaiah 2:3

Scripture Prayer
Pray for a heart-felt seeking of the Lord among many from today’s people group.

Prayer Focus
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will give Hijras the willingness to follow the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Pray for their identity to be set on Jesus Christ. Pray that the Hijra community council leaders will come to Jesus Christ and lead others to a movement to Christ. Pray that God will turn the hearts of those who dehumanize the Hijras. Pray that the Hijras will accept their God-given gender.

Presented by Joshua Project
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