Introduction / History

The Nadia people were once farmers who lived in Gujarat, India's westernmost state. Others live in Maharashtra and Karnataka.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today they are entering into higher paying professions. Some are wage laborers, but an increasing number are now engaged in private or government service. Most have some cultivable land to grow grain crops, which are staples in their diet. Nadia communities try to make sure that their children get an education so they can have a good future. They limit their family size and take advantage of opportunities to get modern medicine and loans.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Nadia people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. Different Hindu communities emphasize different things. The Nadias are especially concerned about goodness and virtue in their daily lives.

Almost all Hindus participate in yearly celebrations like Holi, the festival of colors and the start of spring / Diwali, the festival of lights / Navratri, the celebration of autumn / and Rama Navami, Rama's birthday.

What Are Their Needs?

If they are going to continue to get better jobs, the Nadia people will need more educational opportunities. Hopefully, a higher percentage of them will have access to education in the decades to come.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Nadias and their subgroups will develop a hunger and thirst for more than material needs.
Pray that they will obtain copies of the JESUS Film and the Bible, both of which are in Gujarati, a language they speak.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will bring the Nadias into a ground swell movement where they will experience the joy of worshiping the one true God.

Scripture Prayers for the Nadia in India.