Bakkarwals live in a confusing world of tensions between traditional vs. modern, rural vs. urban, and Hindu vs. Sunni Muslim. They are considered a backward caste, meaning they are looked down upon by many in India.
In recent decades, Kashmir has seen much fighting between the Indian government and Muslim separatists. Bakkarwal and their flocks of sheep have been seriously threatened by violence. Many have abandoned their nomadic lifestyle and livelihood to settle in the foothills.
Bakkarwals are mostly illiterate. Because they are considered a backward caste, they have less to lose by turning from their current religious system.
"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." Joshua 1:8
Pray that many from this people group will not only study but apply what God teaches through His word.
Pray for the Good Shepherd to "find" these lost "sheep." Many Bakkarwal people understand how much God cares for them. May they soon heed the call of God and share him with others until there is a powerful Disciple Making Movement spreading throughout Kashmir.
| People Name | Bakkarwal |
| Pronunciation | BAH-kar-vahl |
| Country | India |
| 10/40 Window | Yes |
| Population | 114,000 |
| World Population | 114,000 |
| Language | Kashmiri |
| Primary Religion | Islam |
| Bible | Complete |
| Online Audio NT | No |
| Jesus Film | Yes |
| Audio Recordings | Yes |
| Christ Followers | Few, less than 2% |
| Status | Unreached |
| Progress Level: |
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