Introduction / History

Under the Constitution of India, the Bagatas are recognized as a Scheduled Tribe under the reservation system. They are one of the aboriginal tribes. They are alternatively known as Bhakta, Bhagata, Kapu, Padal, and Rona/Rana. Their dialect of Telugu is like Desia Odia. In Odisha, they speak regional languages such as Hindi, Odia, Sadri, Lariya, and Kurmali, in addition to Telugu. The Bhagata people have biological characteristics of the Proto-Australoid tribes of southern and central India.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Although traditionally a military tribe, the Bhagata are now active in agriculture, politics, medicine, and education. They have a social hierarchy like other tribes in Odisha.

Bagata people celebrate festivals, dances and music. Dhimsa is one of the dances and Bagata tribes of all ages enjoy energetic dancing, and all ages take part. In March and April, they dance at weddings and at social functions. Dance encourages friendships with people in the nearby villages. During festive seasons dancers from a Bagata village go to other villages to dance and to participate in community feasts. The dances of the Bagata are called Sankidi Kelbar. Perhaps the gospel can best be communicated to them through dance.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Bagata people are mostly Hindus. They worship Hindu gods and goddesses in addition to their family and tribal gods.

What Are Their Needs?

Their worship of many gods, and their dance, perhaps fills an emotional need, but their genuine spiritual need cannot be touched in these ways. Bagata people need to see their critical need for the Savior who alone can provide life to the full.

Prayer Items

Pray that Bagata people will become interested in Jesus Christ via film, recordings and the written word which are available in their Telugu language.
Pray that God will raise up Indian churches to boldly and lovingly evangelize this people group for whom Christ died and rose again.
Pray that soon Bagata disciples will make more disciples.
Pray that, as David danced before Jehovah God, Bagata people will dance before him in joyful worship.

Scripture Prayers for the Bagata in India.

References

www.indianetzone.com/8/bagata_tribe.htm
http://www.wycliffe.net/en/searchresults/tabid/88/language/en-us/default.aspx?q=oriya+language
http://www.wycliffe.net/en/searchresults/tabid/88/language/en-us/default.aspx?q=telugu+bible+resources