Saini (Hindu traditions) in India

Introduction / History

Saini people of India live in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, the Punjab, Chandigarh and in Delhi. There is a small Saini community in Pakistan. Saini speak in the languages of the states where they live.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The main work of Saini people is farming, and management of farm animals. In some states they are gardeners. Most are landowners, but in Haryana most lease their land for cultivation. More are now becoming shopkeepers; others have small manufacturing businesses or government jobs. Among Saini people are notable scientists, professors.
Saini people enjoy a high literacy level, the product of their own education organizations. They use modern and local medicine and family planning.
The Saini marry only in social boundaries. They marry among clans and between villages. Adult marriages with one spouse through agreement by discussion is the usual custom. An additional spouse is allowed if the wife cannot have children. Divorce does not happen often but is allowed. Divorcees and the bereaved are allowed to remarry.
Property is inherited through the male lineage only, and all sons inherit equally. The oldest son becomes the head of the home.
In addition to housework, Saini women help on family farms. Women who are educated work for government and private organizations. They also take part in religious and social matters.
Saini people have their own assemblies that see to the needs of the people. They settle family and land problems and cases involving divorce and adultery.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Saini people follow the Hindu religion, worshiping the main Hindu gods and goddesses, and their ancestors. They believe in exorcisms. Saini celebrate festivals such as Diwali and Holi. They particularly regard Shoorsain Jayanti which is the birthday of King Shoorsain, December 22nd each year. Brahmin priests perform lifetime rituals.
They cremate their dead and scatter the ashes in the Ganges River at Haridwar.

What Are Their Needs?

Written, audio, and visual Bible resources are available in the Hindi language, yet Saini people remain unreached. Anti-conversion laws exist in many Indian states which will complicate gospel outreach.
The most important need is for Saini people to understand that their good works and worship of false gods will never pay the penalty for their sins, and that Almighty Creator God has made the provision for them.

Prayer Points

Pray for Saini people will see that their old systems of ethics and religion are not working, and that their only hope is in Jesus Chris.
Pray that intercessors worldwide will regularly pray for salvation of Saini people.

Text Source:   Joshua Project