Belama in India

Introduction / History

The Belama people in Odisha claim to be the original inhabitants of their homeland, but there are no historical documents to prove it. They claim Vaishya status, which gives them middle level status as a Hindu community.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Belama people are mainly farmers. The more fortunate ones own their land while the less fortunate are day laborers who work on other people’s farms. Others are traders, government workers or small time businessmen.

They have a caste council to look after their interests and settle disputes. They call it the Belama Kula Sabha. They punish members for rape, adultery, theft and insulting their superiors. Typically, the punishment involves a fine.

Belama boys are more likely to get a secondary education than their female counterparts. However, neither gender gets enough education to rise above their position as simple farmers.

What Are Their Beliefs?

These Hindus have their own deity, Thakurani Brindavati. They worship a Tulsi plant that symbolizes this god. As Hindus they also worship Kali, Durga and Ganesh. They celebrate the usual Hindu festivals with other communities.

What Are Their Needs?

Like people everywhere, the Belama people need to allow the loving savior to direct their lives. They need his forgiveness for sin.

Prayer Points

Pray the Belama would see they can enjoy abundant life if they put their trust in Jesus Christ.
Pray for the Lord to intervene in their families, calling people to his side and blessing them in every way.
Pray for Holy Spirit sent workers.
Pray for their hearts to be drawn to the Lord of lords.
Pray for the birth of an unstoppable church planting movement.

Text Source:   Joshua Project