People group profile · PG041764
The Parsi of India
The Parsi of India, numbering about 70,500 people, are Engaged yet Unreached. They are a Zoroastrian ethno‑religious community primarily found in India, especially in Mumbai (Bombay) and parts of Gujarat. They are the descendants of Persian (Iranian) Zoroastrians who migrated to the Indian subcontinent over a thousand years ago.
They are an indigenous people in the Parsee people cluster of the Persian-Median Peoples. Their primary religion is Zoroastrianism, and they primarily speak Gujarati.
Fast facts
- Country
- India
- Population
- 70,500
- Affinity group
- South Asian Peoples
- People cluster
- Parsee
- Primary language
- Gujarati (guj)
- Primary religion
- Zoroastrianism
- Strategic Progress Index
- Engaged yet Unreached
- Evangelical
- Less than 2%
- GSEC
- Less than 2% Evangelical, No Recent CP Activity
- Lostness priority
- Frontier Unreached People Group
- Region
- Southern Asia, Asia
- Location
- Gujarat: both shores of Gulf of Khambhat; Maharashtra: Nandubar and Nashil districts; Rajasthan: Jalor and Sirohi districts; Daman and Diu Union Territory
Where they live
Gospel status
The Parsi are Engaged yet Unreached, which means fewer than 2% are evangelical Christians, but there are sustained efforts to establish self-sustaining churches consistent with evangelical faith and practice. In GSEC terms, this people group is less than 2% evangelical, some evangelical resources are available, but there has been no active church planting among them within the past two years.
- Congregations exist Yes
- Church planting in the last two years No Churches Planted
Next steps for the Parsi
- Continue prayer and fasting for this group
- Continue gospel seed sowing and church planting among this group
- Begin training up local leaders to lead and develop strategies to reach their own people
Primary religion
Zoroastrianism · Other
100% adherents
Primary language
Gujarati · Indo-European family
100% speak Gujarati
Gospel resources in Gujarati
- Bible available, published 2021
- JESUS Film available
- Radio programs available
- Gospel recordings available
- Audio resources available
- Bible stories not available
Films
Bibles
- 1997 Bible League International · text
- Gujarati New India Bible · video
Find more at the JESUS Film Project, Bible.com and Faith Comes by Hearing.
Pray for the Parsi
- Matthew 9:37–38. Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest field.
- 2 Timothy 2:2. Pray for faithful local leaders who will teach others, so that the church multiplies.
- Ephesians 5:8. Pray that those walking in darkness will turn to the light and live as children of light.
- Romans 10:14–15. Ask God to send messengers, so that people can hear, believe and call on the name of the Lord.
Parsee in other countries
The same people (ROP3 107901) is reported in 2 other countries.
| People group | Country | Population | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parsee | United Kingdom | 4,100 | Engaged yet Unreached |
| Parsi | Sri Lanka | 2,600 | Unengaged and Unreached |
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