Historically, the Kandara community was not confined to a single occupation or type of work. Different Kandara groups undertook a variety of traditional livelihoods according to the needs of their villages and communities. These included activities such as fishing, bamboo-related work, village protection and night watch duties, and other forms of work necessary for their livelihood.
The large majority of the Kandra people live in the Indian states of Odisha and West Bengal. Smaller pockets of Kandra live in other Indian states.
Though one cannot generalize about their occupations, commonly the Kandras are fishermen. When fishing is good, Kandras can make ends meet. When fishing is bad, they have trouble finding enough food. With little education, they will take any job that can bring money to their families. Illiteracy is a major problem. Unfortunately, many of their children do not attend school or attend school for at most a few years. Some Kandra men watch the property and land of higher castes as guards.
The Kandra are endogamous, that is they marry within their own group. Cousin marriages are common. Sons inherit what little property that owned by their fathers. Their own priests conduct important life ceremonies like births, wedding, and funerals as Brahmin priests refuse to associate with the Kandra.
In some cases, members of the Kandra community were not allowed to participate in Hindu rituals and devotional activities. When this happened, they give their devotion to clan and village deities. They carry images of these deities on chariots to a designated area during their Dola Purnima celebration which lasts several days. This is more than a religious ceremony. Kandras own it as part of their culture and identity.
The Kandra have many pressing needs. Most of all they need to hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ in a way they can understand. They need to see the love and mercy of Christ lived out before them by Christians. The Kandra need help in educating their children. They need job training so they can make a decent living.
Pray for Kandra families to be drawn to Jesus and to the Bible to find out more about this man, Jesus.
Pray for discovery Bible studies to spread rapidly as they bless Kandra families and communities.
Pray the Lord will give the Kandra understanding and responsive hearts as they hear about the love of Christ.
Pray the Lord moves Christian workers to live among and reach out to the Kandra.
Scripture Prayers for the Kandra in India.
magazines.odisha.gov.in/Orissareview/Sept2004/englishPdf/sociopolitical.pdf
http://news.desigoogly.com/blog/kandra-caste-definition/
| Profile Source: David Kugel |
