Kachchia refers to "vegetable-growers," in the Gujarati language. All the male members suffix the term Patel to their names. There are several divisions among them based on economic levels or landholdings.
Widow remarriage, preferably with the deceased husband's younger brother, takes place with the approval of the caste council. They permit divorce, though it rarely occurs.
The Kachchia 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 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.
People raised in Hinduism will likely find it difficult to comprehend the gospel when if first comes to them, because of how different it is from all they have ever known.
Pray the Holy Spirit will catch up with the Kachhia caste as the gospel moves through India.
Pray for good crop yields for the Kacchia, and for rising educational levels.
Pray for good schools, and that parents will understand the importance of sending their children to school.
Pray for a Christ-ward movement among the Kachchia people this decade.
Scripture Prayers for the Kachhia (Hindu traditions) in India.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
