Introduction / History

Lodha is an independent caste among poor farmers. Most speak Hindi, though most also speak other areas of India.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They are good at growing crops, quiet and hardworking. The Jariya are one of the Lodha subgroups. Lodha Jariya are traditionally farm workers, growing crops of wheat and lentils. Economically speaking, their main resource is the land. Lodha Jariya boys and girls both get an education; however, they don't encourage women to further their studies. Their diet is traditionally vegetarian, which reflects both their Hindu background and agrarian lifestyle. They are becoming more likely to include meat in their diet.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Lodha Jariya people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all term for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. They visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. There are other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins.

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?

With a large population in northern and central India, there may be no Christ followers among this Lodha subgroup. They speak Hindi, but few Hindi speakers are Christian believers.

Prayer Items

Pray that the Holy Spirit will be working in many Lodha Jariya and cause them to seek out the truth.
Pray that these people for whom Christ laid down his life will humble themselves and come to trust in him as little children.
Pray for Indian Christians to adopt the Lodhas for regular prayer and outreach.
Pray for a movement among this people group that will result in many churches reproducing themselves within this people group.
Pray for workers anointed by the Holy Spirit to live among and minister to them.

References

Scripture Prayers for the Lodha Jariya in India.