Introduction / History

The Kaonra are a subgroup of the larger Yadav peoples of India. Most Kaonra live in central and east India. The Yadav peoples hold a place of honor, since traditionally they deal with cattle and dairy products in a culture. The cow is a sacred animal in Hinduism. There have been times in their long history that Yadav peoples have held power and wealth.

Today Kaonra are classified as "other backward castes" or OBCs in some Indian states. This sounds derisive, but in fact, this refers to people who hold some status, but are not part of the most prestigious communities. OBCs are eligible for government job and special university admissions.

The main language of the Kaonera is Hindi. They also speak the local languages of where they live. Many Christian resources are available in Hindi including a complete Bible, the JESUS Film and radio programs. There are few if any believers among the Kaonra Yadav.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Some Kaonra Yadav still take care of cattle for a living. Others farm the land they own. Some Kaonra have college educations and work in the professions. They are often a dominant people in the areas where they reside.

Most Kaonra consider themselves devout Hindus so they do not eat or sell beef. Most are vegetarians who eat wheat, lentils, and rice their staple foods.

The Kaonra are endogamous, which means they prefer to have marriage take place within their community. They have birth and marriage rituals officiated by Brahmin priests. On the death of the father, sons inherit the property. The oldest son takes charge of the home and family. The sons have the responsibility of taking care of elderly relatives. Most Kaonra parents encourage their sons and daughters to obtain a university education.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Kaonra 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 in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians do. 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?

The Kaonra need to understand that Jesus not another Hindu god of guru. He is their Savior and Lord.

He alone can forgive their sins and grant them eternal life.

Prayer Items

Ask God to raise up Kaonra who are desirous to know the truth about Jesus Christ and willing to give him their hearts.

Ask God to send loving, committed workers to the Kaonra Yadavs to share the good news with them.

Pray the Kamariha would be led by the Spirit to listen to Christian radio programs and read the Hindi Bible.

Ask the Lord to raise up a growing church planting movement among the Kaonra Yadavs.

Scripture Prayers for the Yadav Kaonra in India.

References

Singh, K. S., ed. "India's Communities A-Z", Oxford University Press, USA 1999

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yadav

https://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=0B10BMNU