Introduction / History

The name Gaddi is derived from the word gaderan, the local name for the hilly tracts of Himachal Pradesh. They are a scheduled tribe, and many make their living by sheep raising and farming.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Each Gaddi household consists of a nuclear family. Houses are generally two or three stories, with balconies and paved courtyards. The ground floor is used for keeping cattle, while the second story is used for living, sleeping, and cooking.

Muslim Gaddi communities allow for divorce and remarriage.

Gaddi villages are usually located on steep slopes. Women take part in agriculture and animal husbandry and contribute to the family income.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Muslims Gaddi follow Sunni Muslim traditions, although they also have their own animistic practices as well.

What Are Their Needs?

The literacy rate of this tribe is probably low. The gospel message needs to come in oral forms as well as in written forms. Christian believers living near the Gaddi need to be drawn to share Christ with them.

Prayer Points

Pray that when there are Gaddi Christian believers, that they will live holy lives, and will learn to live in the power of God's Spirit.
Pray they will be accepted by the rest of their community.
Pray for improved living conditions for this community, with better employment opportunities.

Scripture Prayers for the Gaddi (Muslim traditions) in India.