Introduction / History

Lodha people in Uttar Pradesh are considered an independent caste among poor farmers. They are good at growing crops, quiet and hardworking. They have lived in the Awadh region since ancient times. The Jariya are one of their subgroups.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Lodha Jariya people are traditionally farm workers, growing crops 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. However as Hindu nominalism creeps in they are more likely to include meat in their diet.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Lodha Jariya 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. 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 hoping to gain 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 Brahmins.

What Are Their Needs?

Their most urgent need is to understand that Almighty God loves them and has provided payment for their sins. It is unclear whether there are any Christian believers among Lodha Jariya people. Their deep roots in Hinduism make evangelism difficult. There is no known active Christian witness to Lodha Jariya people in India. They are geographically and linguistically linked to many nearby peoples.

Prayer Points

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 a movement among this people group that will result in many church plants reproducing themselves. Pray for Holy Spirit anointed workers to go to them this decade.

Scripture Prayers for the Lodha Jariya in India.