The Garoda are strictly vegetarian, and their staple cereals are wheat and bajra. They have territorial subgroups, which are also marriage circles and marriages are to occur only within these marriage circles. Common surnames include Srimali, Sharma, Gandhi, Pandiya, Srigaur, Purani, etc. Their women mainly do household work. The earlier practice of child marriage has been replaced by adult marriage. Traditionally, the Garoda are priests to the Vankar, Chamar, Khalpa, Nadia, Turi, Tirgar, and Shenva communities, who also engage them as astrologers. Each of the Garoda gotras (clans) is associated with a specific deity.

Lack of Christian workers who are well prepared for the task is usually a hindrance as the Gospel goes forth in the world.

The Garoda have a fairly high literacy rate. Printed presentations of the Gospel will be useful, as well as oral presentations. Workers are needed.

None of the Garoda have identified themselves as Christians to the Indian census. There may possibly be a few hidden Christians. Please pray the Lord will soon send workers to tell these people about his Son, Jesus Christ.

Please pray the Garoda community will soon be completely set free from wrong belief and the influence of evil spiritual forces.

Scripture Prayers for the Garoda (Hindu traditions) in India.