Introduction / History

Most of the Pundaris live by farming small tracts of land.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Some own their own land. The landless among them work in other occupations such as fishing, carpentry and bamboo work. Women weave mats to help their families earn a living. Education is important to them, and they work hard so their children can attend school.

They are endogamous (preferring to marry within the community) and monogamous. Marriage can be by family arrangement or mutual consent. On the death of the father, sons inherit the property. The oldest son becomes the one in charge of the home. Disagreements are settled by a council.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Pundari 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?

The Pundari communities live in parts of India where the gospel witness is weak. They also have no Christians among them, so few will ever hear that Jesus saves sinners. People will need to take the gospel from other parts of India.

Prayer Points

Pray that God would give them dreams and visions leading them to Jesus Christ. Pray for spiritual hunger and discernment. Pray Pundari disciples to make more disciples. Pray for loving workers.

Scripture Prayers for the Pundari in India.