Pardhi in India

The Pardhi exist as a wandering tribe of game and bird hunters. Those who live in Kutch (northwestern Gujarat) catch snakes, and many of them have become snake charmers. Many Pardhi communities make and sell baskets, while others make black stone vessels. Some of the Pardhi sell oil from crocodiles or perform monkey shows. Commonly, the Pardhi hire themselves out as day laborers. Many are scavengers or sellers of rags, and they sometimes get harassed by the police. They have trouble adjusting to modern Indian society. Their nomadic background and their reputation as petty criminals make other communities suspicious of the Pardhi. Some Pardhi have risen above this by leading tours where they show the flora, fauna and wildlife to tourists in their central Indian homeland.

Ministry Obstacles

There are few, if any, true Christ followers among the Pardhi, so they do not see living Christianity in practice.

Scripture Focus

"But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him."  John 4:23

Scripture Prayer

Pray that this people group soon begins to worship the Father in spirit and in truth.

Prayer Focus

Pray that God will send culturally sensitive missionaries who will show them the way to the cross. Pray for a Christ-ward movement to flourish among the Pardhi community. Pray for the Pardhi to be blessed with peace, joy and spiritual prosperity as they follow Jesus Christ. There are several oral and visual gospel materials in their Pardhi language, including the JESUS Film and gospel recordings; pray for people to receive these.