Gaddi (Muslim traditions) in Nepal

Introduction / History

The name Gaddi is said to have come from the word Gaderan which is a term used in Himachal Pradesh for the 'local hilly regions '. Traditionally the people trace their origin to the Muslim invasion of Pakistan and north India. They understand that they lived in the Punjab region and took refuge in the highland ranges.
The Gaddi today live across much of northern India, Nepal and Pakistan. Although the larger Gaddi populations in India used to be a scheduled tribe they are no longer.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Gaddis have a strong tradition of living in mountainous areas and working in animal husbandry and selling dairy products. They also have a tradition of landowning and some as nomadic herdsmen. Today many continue in milk selling, animal husbandry and agriculture, but in Nepal their smaller communities can be found in any number of labor jobs or small businesses. Fewer Gaddis are using the Gaddi language but appear to prefer Nepali and Urdu or Bhojpuri as a means of communication in Nepal. Some of the Gaddi traditional clothes and head covering like the khadi (cap) and chalu (robe) are much less common today.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Gaddi people are officially Sunni Muslim. Like most Muslims in South Asia, their Islamic practices are tainted by Hinduism.

What Are Their Needs?

As sellers and tradesmen, the Gaddi could be an excellent bridge of the gospel into many other Muslim groups. There are no known Christ followers among them in Nepal. Few Christians have ever met a Gaddi Muslim.

Prayer Points

Pray that God will send culturally-sensitive missionaries who will show them the way to the cross.
Pray for a Disciple Making Movement to flourish among this people group soon.
Pray for the Gaddi people to be blessed with peace, joy and spiritual prosperity as they follow Jesus Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project