Introduction / History

Kambo people read and write in Devanagari. They speak Odia, the language of Odisha state.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Many work the land, in business, for the government and for others. They are not vegetarians and wheat is their staple food. They are well educated.
The Kambo have birth and marriage rituals and they cremate their dead like most Hindu communities. They allow divorce within the first two years of marriage. The divorced and bereaved can marry again depending on their age. On the death of the father, Kambo sons inherit the property with the oldest son taking charge of the home. They have a caste council to look after their interests.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Kambo people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. They visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. There are other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins.
Almost all Hindus participate in yearly celebrations like Holi, the festival of colors and the start of spring / Diwali, the festival of lights / Navratri, the celebration of autumn / and Rama Navami, Rama’s birthday.

What Are Their Needs?

Like people everywhere, the Kambo people need to allow the loving savior to direct their lives. They need his forgiveness for sin.

Prayer Points

Pray the Kambo would understand they can enjoy abundant life if they put their trust in Jesus.
Pray for the Lord to intervene in their families, calling people to his side and blessing them in every way.
Pray for loving workers to go to them until there are Kambo disciples who make other disciples.
Pray for an abundant crop this year as a testimony of God's power and love for the Kambo people.
Pray for a church planting movement to thrive in their communities.

Scripture Prayers for the Kambo in India.

References

Singh, K. S., ed. “India's Communities A-Z”, Oxford University Press, USA 1999