Introduction / History

The Koli people are also called Dongar or Raj Koli. Generally Koli means a fisherman but the Koli people's primary occupation is agriculture. One of their subgroups, the Son Koli, live in Maharashtra and speak Marathi, the local language.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Their staple food consists of rice, nagli, varai and wheat. Other than agriculture they are also involved in cattle production, dairy and poultry farming and wage labor as subsidiary occupations.

They live in nuclear families. Bride price plays an important part in marriage. The marriage ceremony lasts for three to four days. They allow for divorce and remarriage. They bury their dead, but in some cases they cremate.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most of the Son Koli follow a number of Hindu traditions. Members of each clan have their own deity.

What Are Their Needs?

The Son Koli need the opportunity to allow Jesus Christ to enrich their lives physically, economically and spiritually. Some Koli villages are without electricity. Solar panels would greatly improve their lives. They often lack access to clean water and modern medicine. The Son Koli must hear and understand the message about Jesus Christ to have their sins forgiven and to obtain eternal life.

Prayer Items

Pray for a movement to Christ among this Koli community.

Pray for more literacy and development programs and better schools.

Pray for a spiritual hunger that will drive all Koli subgroups to Jesus Christ.

Pray for Holy Spirit sent workers to the Son Koli community.

Scripture Prayers for the Koli Son in India.

References

India Missions Association, Edited by Philipose Vaidyar, Copyrighted © Used with permission