Introduction / History
The Dhimar are a people group from India whose name is derived from the Sanskrit word for fisherman. Traditionally, the Dhimar served as palanquin bearers. They bore Indian royalty sitting upon portable, ornate chairs. The Dhimar live and work as fishermen, boatmen, water carriers, merchants and farmers.

Where are they located?
The Dhimar live in the central states of India. The largest groups of Dhimar live in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. They are found near the rivers of this section of India.

What are their lives like?
The Dhimar follow Hinduism, the national, historic religion of India. They usually marry within their caste. They celebrate the holidays of Hinduism such as Holi and Diwali. Most Dhimars bury their dead rather than practicing the more expensive practice of cremation.

What are their beliefs?
The Dhimar's primary deity is Shiva, the destroyer of evil and transformer god of the Hindu Trinity. The life force and energy of Shiva takes the form of a polished stone, a Dulhadeo. These column shaped stones serve as an aid to worship in temples dedicated to Shiva.

What are their needs?
According to our sources, there are no known Christians among the Dhimar. Their primary language is Hindi. The entire Bible is available in Hindi as is the JESUS film.

Prayer Points
Pray for wisdom and endurance for the Christian workers currently serving among the Dhimar. Pray that God would create a hunger for the Word of God in the Dhimar people. Pray for opportunities for the showing of the Hindi JESUS film and the distribution of Hindi Bibles. Pray that the Lord would begin a successful church-planting movement among the Dhimar people of India.