Beldar Sunkar in India

Introduction / History

The Beldar are a group of Hindu people who live in India, Bangladesh and Nepal. Their name Beldar means a person who digs in the ground. Thus, it is easy to understand that there are many in the Beldar caste who labor in excavating work. Because they do manual labor, they have low status in Indian society. The Beldar are part of the Sudras, the fourth level of Hindu caste system. Many of the Beldar, especially their women, are unable to read or write.

The main languagesof the Beldar peoples are Kannada. They have subgroups such as the Sunkar Beldar. This group lives throughout central and southern India.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Sunkar Beldar are employed in agricultural work and in construction. They are able to maintain relationships with members of other communities, sharing water sources and religious shrines. The Sunkar Beldar marry within their caste. Marriage with paternal or maternal relatives is avoided. Sons inherit their father's property with the eldest son becoming the head of the family. Caste councils settle legal disputes and promote their interests.

The Sunkar Beldar are not vegetarian but do not eat beef. The main foods are rice, wheat, millet, vegetables and fruit. Meat is often eaten only on special occasions due to the poverty of many Sunkar Beldar families.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The primary religion practiced by the Sunkar Beldar is Hinduism, the ancient religious tradition of India. Sunkar Beldar worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Hindus believe that by performing rituals and good works that they will attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The Sunkar Beldar visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers and incense to their gods. There are many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs.

The main yearly holidays of the Hindu Sunkar Beldar are Holi, the festival of colors, Diwali, the festival of lights, Navratri, the celebration of autumn and Rama Navami, Rama's birthday.

What Are Their Needs?

The Sunkar Beldar need help in learning new job skills. They need help in educating their children. Many rural Sunkar Beldar do not have access to clean water, electricity and indoor plumbing. Most of all, the Sunkar Beldar need to hear and understand the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. He alone can forgive their sins and give them new life.

Prayer Points

Pray for a chain reaction of Sunkar Beldar families reaching families that results in thousands of new believers who share their faith with others.
Pray that churches and believers will bless their entire people group in such a way that God's love will change them like yeast changes dough.

Text Source:   Joshua Project