+1
People cluster
Badhai
Unreached
0%
Evangelicals
Who they are
The Badhais are a community of carpenters in India, with almost 8 million people. They live mostly in the north of the country, in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, and there are smaller groups in Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. They form a caste, that is, a group in which a person is born, marries within it and inherits the family trade.
Traditionally the Badhais made plows, carts, doors, furniture and the beams of village houses. For centuries they were an essential part of life in the countryside, often receiving a share of the harvest in return for their service. Today many still work with wood, but others have moved to the cities and live on other jobs. They speak the language of their region, such as Hindi, and families tend to be large and very close.
Most Badhais are Hindu and honor Vishwakarma, the god whom Hindus consider the patron of artisans. A part is Muslim. Very few Badhais know Jesus.
What sets the subgroups apart
The Badhais are united by the same trade, but divided by religion. The great majority, about 7 million, are Hindu and live in northern India, Nepal and Pakistan. A smaller part, about 700 thousand people, is Muslim and lives in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. Muslim Badhais do the same woodwork, but marry, celebrate and live out their faith according to Islam.
There are also small regional groups in western India, such as the Konkani Badhais, from the coast near Goa, and the Kharadis, who work wood on the lathe, a machine that spins the piece to give it a round shape, making round pieces such as furniture legs and toys.
Where they are still unreached
4
Countries
7.8M
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
India
|
98.1%
|
7.665.000 |
Pakistan
|
1.3%
|
105.000 |
Nepal
|
0.5%
|
38.600 |
Bangladesh
|
0%
|
3.400 |
The 5 peoples in this cluster
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
May the Badhais come to know Jesus, the carpenter of Nazareth, as the Savior who understands their work.
For Hindu Badhais, that they may find in Christ the living God who draws near to people.
For Muslim Badhais in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, that they may hear the gospel clearly.
For families who lost work to furniture factories, that they may have a decent living.
May Indian Christians build friendships with the Badhais in villages and cities.
May the first groups of followers of Jesus arise among the Badhais, led by people of their own.