Gaddi (Hindu traditions) in India

Introduction / History

The name Gaddi is derived from the word gaderan, the local name for the hilly tracts of Himachal Pradesh. They are a scheduled tribe, and many make their living by sheep raising and farming.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Each Gaddi household consists of a nuclear family. Houses are generally two or three stories, with balconies and paved courtyards. The ground floor is used for keeping cattle, while the second story is used for living, sleeping and cooking.

Hindu Gaddi villages are usually located on steep slopes. Women take part in agriculture and animal husbandry and contribute to the family income.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Hindu Gaddi people adhere to the traditional local religions of South Asia. 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.

What Are Their Needs?

The literacy rate of this tribe is probably low. The gospel message needs to come in oral forms as well as in written forms. Pray believers living near the Gaddi will not ignore their situation but instead by drawn to share Christ with them.

Prayer Points

Pray that when there are Gaddi Christian believers, that they will live holy lives, and will learn to live in the power of God's Spirit.
Pray new Christian believers will be accepted by the rest of their community.
Pray for improved living conditions for the Gaddi community, with better employment opportunities.

Text Source:   Joshua Project