Gadaria (Hindu traditions) in India
Photo Source:
Anonymous
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Map Source:
People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Gadaria (Hindu traditions) |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 5,472,000 |
| World Population: | 5,485,300 |
| Primary Language: | Hindi |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Hindu - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Gadaria people were traditionally livestock breeders. They have two subgroups, the Dhangar and Nikhar. In the early 20th Century, they tried to appear to be higher on the caste pecking order by publishing two magazines and adding Kshatriya to their caste name. Now they are considered "Other Backward Castes," meaning they do not have either high or low status among Hindu communities. The vast majority live in India, but there are smaller populations of them in Bangladesh and Nepal.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Gaderia have virtually abandoned their traditional occupation of rearing sheep and goats. They are now mainly engaged as laborers in masonry work, while some are involved in animal husbandry.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Brahmin are engaged for performing at birth, marriage and death rites and for imparting religious teachings to these Hindus.
What Are Their Needs?
Low literacy rates can be an obstacle to the gospel, but not necessarily. If oral means of communication are effectively used, individuals can readily understand. Christian workers need to carry the message of Christ to the Gadaria community using stories from Scripture, as well as gospel recordings and films.
Prayer Points
Pray for Scriptures and other study materials to become easily available to them.
Pray they will have teachable hearts.
Pray for the Hindu Gadaria community to be able to care well for their families.
Pray also for the widow and orphans among them, that they will be well cared for.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to work powerfully through those ministering to this people group.