Bazigar (Sikh traditions) in India

The Bazigar name comes from the Urdu word “bazi” which means acrobat. The traditional occupation of the Bazigar was that of being acrobats, dancers, musicians, jugglers and wrestlers. The Bazigar once traveled from village to village and hired themselves out as farm laborers. They perform for Hindu, Muslim and Sikh villages. Today fewer than 1 in 5 Bazigars engage in the itinerate lifestyle. Most have settled down and work in agriculture. They still like to dance, sing, play music and do feats of strength and agility. The Bazigars have been classified as a Scheduled Caste due to their low level of education.

Ministry Obstacles

A low rate of literacy limits the Bazigar Sikhs to audio gospel materials. However, the Bible is available in Punjabi and Urdu. They also live in some of the least reached parts of India.

Scripture Focus

"And you will say in that day: Give thanks to the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted."  Isaiah 12:4

Scripture Prayer

May this people group praise Him and tell others of His mighty deeds.

Prayer Focus

Pray that the Lord sends workers to the Bazigar to tell them about Jesus and his love for them. Pray that a strong movement to Jesus will bring whole Bazigar families and communities into a rich experience of God's blessings. Pray the Bazigar will understand that Jesus desires to bless their families and communities, not harm them. Pray they listen to gospel radio and watch television broadcasts.