Introduction / History

The Kondh tribe is found in various parts of India, primarily in the state of Odisha.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Kondh people live a simple lifestyle. Their agricultural work is carried out without the use of modern farming machinery or irrigation. They depend solely on rain for agriculture. Traditionally they depended on hunting, but that is no longer an option. They remain without work or a steady income for a good part of the year. The Kondh do not trust modern medicine. They have a great belief in superstitions and local remedies, and thus they have a high infant mortality rate. Not only that, but they would have to travel 25 km for medical aid. They are unable to adjust to modern advances due to poor communication, lack of education and a poor health system. Though they live 15 to 25 km from the block headquarters in Jharigam, there is no road to those areas. The Kondh have to depend on Jharigam for much of their resources and services. In the rainy season these areas remain cut off from the main land. There is no school or hospital in their area. They also have to send their children to nearby schools which are 10 km from their home. This is the reason that they don't want to send their children to school.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Kondh 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.

What Are Their Needs?

The Kondh people need to submit to Jesus Christ so they can experience the abundant life He offers them in John 10:10.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Kondh people will have a spiritual hunger that will open their hearts to the King of kings. Pray for workers who are driven by the love and boldness of the Holy Spirit to go to them. Pray for a Disciple Making Movement among them to begin this decade.

Scripture Prayers for the Kandha Gauda in India.