Introduction / History

In Karnataka, their name means "barren," and the name they use in Tamil Nadu means "cattle." The Godda people live mainly in Karnataka, but many of them also live in two of India's other southern states, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most are involved with agriculture, and they are landless. Some work as stone-cutters, rickshaw drivers, lumberjacks, construction workers, wood carvers, and beedi (cigarette) rollers.

Their families are usually nuclear. Girls get married at about 16 and boys get married at about 18. Commonly a young man will marry his cousin. If his wife dies, he often marries her younger sister. Women contribute to the family income. The main marriage rituals involve worshipping family deities.

For a rural people group in India the Godda people have a high literacy rate. They have benefitted from modern medicine, water projects, electricity, roads, postal service, and government programs.

What Are Their Beliefs?

These Hindus worship Jasma Devi as their patron deity. They worship many spirit beings, but Jesus Christ is not part of their lives.

What Are Their Needs?

The Godda people need a spiritual discernment that will allow the King of kings to become central in their communities.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Godda people to have adequate education and medical facilities.

Pray for loving workers to go to the Godda people.

Pray for Godda disciples to make other disciples.

Scripture Prayers for the Godda in India.