Get to know the Badhi people in 4 parts - learn, see, act, pray!

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1 - Learn

In the deep valleys of Nepal, along the riverbanks and edges of the Himalayan mountains, there is a community called the Badhi. Around 40,000 people live in this group, sharing their lives with their neighbours.

The Badhi community is often seen as a minority, and for many years, they have faced discrimination. They were considered "untouchables" and have been treated unfairly in many areas, such as work, education, and politics. In the past, many Badhi people lived a nomadic life because they weren't allowed to farm or settle in one place.

The name "Badhi" comes from an old word that means "one who plays musical instruments." This was because, long ago, the Badhi people were entertainers, traveling through places like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in India. Today, the Badhi community still lives mostly in Nepal.

Unfortunately, the Badhi are ranked at the bottom of Nepal’s caste system, which is a way of dividing people into different groups. For centuries, people in these groups lived separate lives. Those in higher castes would not mix with those in lower castes, not even sharing water or food. Because of this system, the Badhi have faced a lot of unfair treatment.

Even though the Badhi people have suffered for many years, they continue to hold onto their culture and traditions. They are still fighting for equality and recognition in a society where caste divisions remain strong.

Rural communities have long been arranged on the basis of castes - the upper and lower castes almost always lived in segregated colonies, the water wells were not shared, Brahmins would not accept food or drink from the Shudras, and one could marry only within one's caste.

Despite centuries of marginalisation and systemic barriers, the Badhi community continues to persevere, preserving their identity and cultural heritage while striving for equality and recognition in a society still shaped by caste-based hierarchies.

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2 - See

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3 - Act

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4 - Pray

• Pray that the Badi community would experience justice and equality in Nepal. Ask God to bring an end to the discrimination they face due to the caste system, and for societal changes that would allow them to fully participate in all aspects of life - education, work, and politics - without fear of exclusion.
• Ask God to soften their hearts and open doors for the gospel to be shared in meaningful ways that resonate with their experiences.
• Pray that they would find true freedom and equality in the embrace of Christ.

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