Chapparband (Hindu traditions) in India

Introduction / History

Traditionally the Chapparband people were noted for being thieves and counterfeiters. They were looked upon with suspicion by the police and the general public.

Where Are they Located?

The Chapparband people live mainly in the western states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. A smaller number are in Odisha.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today as education increases among Chapparband people, they are branching out into various occupations and small businesses. Women make quilts, and men sell them on their business tours.

They are divided into 30 clans, every clan having its own myth of origin. Their communities remain strong despite urbanization. There is little intermarriage between castes.

What Are Their Beliefs?

There are separate Hindu and Muslim Chapparband communities. When one community has two religions, they almost always split into separate communities.

The Hindu Chapparband people practice the most ancient religion of India. They worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Hindus believe that by performing rituals and good works that they will attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. 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 many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs.

The main yearly holidays of the Chapparband people are 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. Each clan has its own goddesses.

What Are Their Needs?

Although audio, visual, and written Bible resources are available in Kannada, their spoken language, they remain unreached and unengaged with the truth of the gospel. Their greatest need is to understand the infinite love of Almighty God for them, and his provisional payment of the penalty for their sins.

Prayer Points

Pray for his kingdom to come and his will to be done among the Chapparband people.
Pray for a movement of Chapparband households to study the Bible and accept the blessings of Christ.
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will drive the Chapparband people to the arms of Jesus.
Pray for workers who are filled with the fruit and the power of the Holy Spirit to go to the Chapparband people.

Text Source:   Keith Carey