Dangashia in India
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Dangashia |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 4,700 |
| World Population: | 4,700 |
| Primary Language: | Gujarati |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Dalit - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Dangashia people were given a bum rap centuries ago. According to their legends, one of their community members was forced to move an animal carcass. Though he did not touch it, his descendants were mistreated because this action gave them low status.
The Dangashias live in Gujarat, a state in western India, and they speak the Gujarati language.
What Are Their Lives Like?
They are actually a weaving community that produces wool products. Most of them live in rural communities, but they are landless.
Traditionally the Dangashias had arranged marriages, but most of them marry for love in today's world. They still maintain many traditions that are associated with marriage. For example, they participate in an engagement ceremony two or three years before the marriage. After the wedding, the bride and groom worship their clan deity. And like many other Hindu groups there is a bride price that the bride's father pays before the wedding.
In each Dangashia village, elderly people look after community welfare and social control. Everyone in the community must obey them in matters related to the distribution of property, remarriage, divorce and education. For this reason, their elders hold much power.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Dangashias are entirely Hindu, and they worship Krishna, Ram, and other Hindu gods. Since they speak Gujarati, there are all kinds of evangelistic materials available in their tongue. However, evangelism and church planting is very difficult in this state that is favorable to militant Hinduism.
What Are Their Needs?
These people need to put their hope and identity in the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Prayer Points
Pray for the gospel to break through among the Dangashia people leading to a movement to Christ.
Pray that many of them will seek out Christ for themselves and be led to those who can explain the way of the Savior.
Pray that the JESUS Film, gospel recordings, and radio broadcasts will find their way into Dangashia villages.