Mahesri Bania in India
mah-HESH-ree BAH-nee-ah

Trade and commerce are the main professions of the Mahesri Bania. Some of them work for the government and some work in private business. The Mahesri Bania are one of the better-educated peoples of India and most speak English as well as Hindi. Families arrange marriages with the consent of the young people. Weddings take place at the home of the bride with a Brahman priest performing the ceremony. Sons inherit the property after the death of the father with the oldest son becoming the new family head. They have caste councils to look after their needs, promote their interests, and to settle legal disputes. Mahesri parents encourage both their sons and daughters to receive a college education.

Ministry Obstacles
The Mahesri Banias take pride in their Hindu traditions and wealth. Pride can often prevent a group from seeking the Lord and his grace.

Scripture Focus
"Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God."  3 John 1:11

Scripture Prayer
Pray that the Lord raises up pastors and teachers in this people group who set good examples and are able to teach the Bible.

Prayer Focus
Pray that the Mahesri caste council leaders will come to Jesus Christ and lead others among them to him. Pray that written and online gospel materials will lead them to begin their own movement to Christ. Pray for higher caste Hindu background believers to befriend them and tell them about Jesus Christ.

Presented by Joshua Project
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