Dudhwala in India

The Dudhwala have only been reported in India
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* Data can be from various sources including official census, agencies, and local research. Data from these sources can sometimes differ even by orders of magnitude. Joshua Project attempts to present a conservative, balanced estimate.

Introduction / History

The Muslim Dudhwala people in Gujarat have a history rooted in dairy farming and milk trading. They primarily speak Gujarati, the language of their home state.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Muslim Dudhwala people live in rural and semi-urban areas, focusing on dairy farming and milk distribution. They rear cattle and buffaloes, producing milk and dairy products for local markets. Their communities emphasize strong family bonds and mutual support. They have a vibrant community life, celebrating festivals and traditions.

The Dudhwala people's eating practices involve a diet that includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, featuring dairy products, rice, lentils, vegetables and meat. They enjoy traditional dishes such as biryani, kebabs, and various dairy-based sweets during festive occasions. Their culinary practices emphasize the use of locally available ingredients, reflecting their cultural and regional preferences.

The Muslim Dudhwala people's wedding practices are elaborate and deeply rooted in Muslim traditions. Weddings typically include rituals such as the Nikah (marriage contract), exchange of gifts, and celebrations with music and dance.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Muslim Dudhwala people practice Islam, predominantly following Sunni traditions. They observe Islamic rituals, including the five daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, and celebrating religious festivals such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Their belief system emphasizes values like community service, hospitality and respect for elders. They honor their ancestors through prayers and gatherings, ensuring the transmission of their religious and cultural traditions across generations.


What Are Their Needs?

The Muslim Dudhwala people need better access to quality education to provide more opportunities for their children. Improved healthcare services are essential due to limited availability of medical facilities and high rates of preventable diseases. Economic support through modern dairy farming techniques, market access, and vocational training can enhance their livelihoods. Infrastructure development, including better roads, clean water supplies, and reliable electricity, will greatly benefit the Dudhwala community.


Prayer Points

Pray that the Lord would send laborers to the Dudhwala people.
Pray that the Holy Spirit would open their spiritual eyes so they can see Jesus.
Pray that the Lord would awaken spiritual hunger in them to seek the truth, leading them to Jesus himself.
Pray that an awakening in the people will be contagious and the entire community would find Christ together.


Scripture Prayers for the Dudhwala in India.


References

Cultural Traditions of Gujarat, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, 2017.
"Dairy Farming Practices in Western India," Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, 2015.
Sharma, B.K., "Economic and Social Development in Gujarat," Mittal Pu


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Dudhwala
People Name in Country Dudhwala
Alternate Names Dudi; Gadit; दूधवाला
Population this Country 4,300
Population all Countries 4,300
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
PeopleID3 16750
ROP3 Code 111998
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Districts Interactive map, listing and data download
Specialized Website South Asia Peoples
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States 1
  Gujarat 4,300
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
100.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Gujarati (3,100 speakers)
Language Code guj   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 2
Secondary Languages
Urdu
700
Primary Language Gujarati (3,100 speakers)
Language Code guj   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 2
Secondary Languages
  Urdu 700
People Groups Speaking Gujarati

Primary Language:  Gujarati

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1809-1965)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1820-1985)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1823-2021)
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Mobile App Android Bible App: Gujarati Bible (ગુજરાતી બાઇબલ) Indian Revised Version (IRV) Operation Agape
Mobile App Android Bible app: Gujarati Study Bible Grace Ministries and Dusty Sandals
Mobile App Android Bible Radio app: Gujarati Bible Radio Shalom Design S2dio
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Text / Printed Matter Children and youth resources One Hope
Text / Printed Matter Literacy primer for Gujarati Literacy & Evangelism International
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Text / Printed Matter Topical Scripture booklets and Bible studies World Missionary Press
Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
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