Yadav Golarana in India

Introduction / History

The Yadav peoples claim to be descended from Krishna who is one of the Hindu gods they worship. The traditional occupation of the Yadav people is taking care of dairy cattle. Since cows are viewed as sacred by Hindus, the Yadav have relatively high status in the Hindu caste system.

There are Yadav subgroups all over the Indian continent. Most Golarana live in the west Indian state of Gujarat. The main language of the Golarana is Gujarati. Many of them also speak Hindi. Many Christian resources are available in Gujarati including a newly revised Bible and the JESUS Film. There are few if followers of Christ among the Golarana.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Some Golarana Yadav people still care for cattle. Being devout Hindus, they do not eat or sell beef. They sell dairy products. Other Golarana work in agriculture. Some Golarana own the land they farm while others work as tenants. Educated Golarana work in medicine, politics, science and law. The Golarana are a prominent people in the areas where they live.

Wheat, rice, dairy products and vegetables are their staple foods.

The Golarana are endogamous, which means they prefer to have marriage take place within their community. Marriage to one spouse is the norm. They have birth and marriage rituals that are officiated by Brahmins. Upon the death of the father, sons inherit his property. The oldest son takes charge of the home and family. It is the sons' responsibility to care for elderly relatives. Most Golarana parents encourage their children to attend and graduate from universities.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Golarana 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 do. 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?

The Golarana must come to understand that Jesus Christ is not another Hindu god or guru. He alone can forgive their sins and grant them eternal life.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Yadav leaders come to Jesus Christ and lead their communities and families to him.

Pray that gospel materials and the websites about Jesus Christ will lead the Golarana to salvation.

Pray for loving workers to go to the Golarana Yadav people and disciple some who will make more disciples.

Pray that the Golarana would read the Gujarati Bible and learn about Jesus Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project