Didayi in India

People Name:	Didayi
Country:	India
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	14,000
World Population:	14,000
Primary Language:	Gata'
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.48 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Tribal - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Odisha is one of the most beautiful regions of Eastern India, nestling on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. The main charm of the state lies in its exotic sandy beaches, plenteous wildlife, laid-back lifestyle and temples famous for their architectural splendor. The attractions of this state have yet to be fully explored. Another lure of Odisha lies in its tribal population consisting of more than 62 tribal communities. Geographically, the state encompasses the hilly terrain of the Eastern Ghats, where most tribes dwell, and a beautiful stretch of the Indo-Aryan coast where a more modern way of life is to be found. A blend of distinct civilizations with contrasting cultures, beautiful landscapes, beaches and rich wildlife, offers the best of India to its visitors.

The Didayi are one among the many tribal communities in Odisha, concentrated mostly in the Koraput district.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Agriculture is the main occupation of the Didayi. They are a hard working community, cultivating the slopes of the mountains they live on. They also collect fruit and wood from the jungle and sell it in nearby markets. Drinking locally-made alcohol or home-brewed rice beer and dancing through the night are distinctive features of their cultural life. The generally timid Didayi take pleasure in hunting animals and birds with the help of a bow and arrow. They lag behind many other tribes in the Koraput district with respect to education. There are many government schools and institutions in the region to promote education, but the Didayi generally have not seen the need for education. Very often they migrate to other parts of the state in search of work, as educating their children is not important in their view.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They are animists by faith, with a small percentage following Hinduism. There are several Christian ministries working in their region. The Word of God is not available in the Didayi language, but there is great need of it for the development of the Church among the Didayi.

What Are Their Needs?

The Didayi people need a John 10:10 blessing: The abundant life Jesus offers those who are willing to submit to his lordship.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Didayi culture to be renewed and enhanced by a work of the Holy Spirit and shaped into a God-centered and God-honoring mold.

Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among their family and community leaders to seek his face and enjoy his blessings.

Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers who will be compelled to nurture a disciple making movement among the Didayi people.

Pray that soon the Didayi people will have faith that will lead them to live honorable lives that will draw others to the only savior.