The Nadia people are sweepers who live in Gujarat, India's westernmost state. Smaller numbers live in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Today only a few are continuing their traditional occupation of making leather strips to tie a bullock to a plow. The Nadias are also wage laborers, and some are engaged in private or government service. Most have some cultivable land to grow grain crops, which are staples in their diet. Nadia communities try to make sure that their children get an education so they can have a good future. They limit their family size and take advantage of opportunities to get modern medicine and loans.
The Nadia 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.
Though the Nadia people are concerned with being economically prepared, they have failed to make provision for their eternal destiny. There are few if any followers of Christ among them.
Pray that the Nadias and their subgroups will develop a hunger and thirst for more than material needs.
Pray that they will obtain copies of the JESUS Film and the Bible, both of which are in Gujarati, a language they speak.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will bring the Nadias into a ground swell movement where they will experience the joy of worshiping the one true God.
Scripture Prayers for the Nadia in India.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
