Dhangar Bharwad in India

Introduction / History

The Dhangar Bharwad are a Hindu caste of herders. The word dhangar is derived from the Sanskrit word dhenu, meaning cow. They keep a special breed of cows and buffalo known as Dhangar mhasi and Dhangar gai.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Dhangar people have roamed the hills and forests of western India and Pakistan's Sindh Province for hundreds of years searching for greenery and water for their livestock. Due to their low caste status, their occupation and lack of education, the Dhangar are looked down upon.
The Dhangar have begun to live in settled villages. Traditionally, the Dhangar have raised goats, sheep, cattle, and buffalo. Since they are Hindus, they would not eat the meat of the cattle or buffalo because these animals are sacred. But they will sell dairy products produced by cattle or buffalo. They might butcher and sell the meat of goats and sheep.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Dhangar Bharwad have a special affinity for Khandoba and Biroba, two Hindu deities. Parents name their children after ancestors, gods and goddesses. Only a tiny number of the Dhangar are believers in Christ.

What Are Their Needs?

Most of the Dhangar children have been unable to attend school on a regular basis. As a result, many of the Dhangar are illiterate. They need better educational opportunities.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Dhangar Bharwad community to be blessed with better schools and the chance for the next generation to excel academically.
Pray the Dhangar will increasingly hunger to know the creator God in a personal way.
Pray for them to make Christ-like disciples who will make other disciples.
Pray Christian believers among the Dhangar community will become mature in the faith, able to have a bold, kind witness for Jesus to their neighbors.

Text Source:   Joshua Project