Introduction / History

Kunbi people have a history in agriculture and the military. Some believe they have a Kshatriya background, which is military and of high status. The Kunbis have several sub-sectors including the Anjna, the Lewas, the Kadwas, and the Lonaris. These social divisions regulate marital alliances.The Lonari people came to Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh in the 15th-16th centuries. Their origin is in Lonargad, Mewar, Udaipur, in Rajasthan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Some of the Lonari Kunbi now own land and work in cultivation. They sell vegetables and other food at the market. Some work for the government. Today, many hold professional jobs as engineers, lawyers, teachers, professors, and architects.Their marriage ceremonies have several stages. Like most Hindu people groups, family elders arrange marriages. A Brahmin priest picks an auspicious day based on astrological forecasts and a series of rituals involving heaps of rice and a betel nut. Each couple has a chosen deity to protect their marriage. They are endogamous (they prefer to marry within the caste) and have cousin marriages, but do not marry others with the same surname. They allow for divorce and remarriage for various reasons, including incompatibility, foul temper, adultery, and impotency. The divorced and bereaved can only marry those in a similar position to themselves. For example, a bachelor cannot marry a widow. Sons inherit the property, and the dead are usually cremated.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Lonari Kunbi people worship many Hindu gods and participate in all Hindu festivals. For example, they worship swords, spears, horses, and elephants on Vijayadashami, a major Hindu festival.

What Are Their Needs?

The Lonari Kunbi people need to have the chance to make Jesus Christ their Lord so they can experience life to the full.

Prayer Items

Pray for spiritual hunger that will lead these people to the foot of the cross no matter how difficult it can be.Pray for intercessors and workers to bless the Lonari Kunbi people with the presence of Christ.Pray that gospel materials and the internet will lead them to begin their own movement to Christ.Pray for the Holy Spirit to soon do a major work among the Lonari Kunbis.

Scripture Prayers for the Kunbi Lonari in India.

References

India Missions Association, edited by Philipose Vaidyar, Copyrighted © Used with permission.