Introduction / History

Bahrupi is the name of a community and a theatrical art form. Bahrupi combines several words for “many” and personality” since one performer plays several roles. The Bahrupi community is related to the forest dwelling Bediya community.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Though these performances are based on traditional stories from hundreds of years ago, the actor improvises his own lines. Bahrupi performers must use various voices and play the roles of several characters during a performance. They wear a lot of makeup during their acts.

They often travel long distances for performances using busses and trains. Typically they perform in public parks and at Hindu festivals.

Members of the Bahrupi community don’t earn very much money for their theatrical art form. Few own land to grow their own food. They learn how to perform from their parents, but as time passes, fewer are willing to make this their profession.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Bahrupi people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. 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 form of entertainment is becoming less popular in India, so the Bahrupi people will need to find other ways to earn a living. Most of them don’t have the educational background to earn a good living, nor do they own farm land.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to direct the future of the Bahrupi community, guiding by his loving hand.
Pray that soon the Bahrupi people will use their art form to express the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Pray for Bahrupi disciples to make more disciples.

Scripture Prayers for the Bahrupi in India.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahurupi
https://mapacademy.io/article/bahurupi/
https://ruralindiaonline.org/en/articles/possessed-by-his-art-a-bahurupi-transforms/
https://ruralindiaonline.org/en/articles/bahurupi-a-family-of-many-faces/