Introduction / History

You have read about the 49ers who panned for gold in California, but did you know that there are still people who do that in India? They are known as the Daule people. They collect gold dust from the alluvial soils of rivers.

When they aren't panning for gold, they are fishing. The women work the rivers for gold and fish just like the men. Fish is one of their staple foods along with maize and rice.

Other members of the Daule community of Himachal Pradesh are settled farmers, or millers who use water-run flour mills.

The Daule people are friendly with the Lohars, a group of traveling blacksmiths.

Though child marriages were common among the Daule people in the past, they now practice adult marriage. Family leaders negotiate Daule marriages and they involve a dowry. They cremate their dead, and immerse the ashes in the Ganges River.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Daule people are Hindus who worship a variety of Hindu gods. Because their livelihood is closely tied in with rivers, they appease a water deity to ensure good fortune.

Like many Hindu communities, the Daule worship clan deities.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to break the bondage of fear that causes the Daule people to worship false gods, and replace it with a healthy fear of the Lord of lords, Jesus Christ.