Gondhali in India

Gondhali
Photo Source:  Shrinivas Shastri 
Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Gondhali
Country: India
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 69,000
World Population: 69,000
Primary Language: Marathi
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Christian Adherents: 0.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: South Asia Hindu - other
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Traditionally, a large number of the Gondhali were oil-pressers. The Gondhali have seven clans (gotra), whose names are different than their surnames. Most live in Maharashtra, but some are in neighboring states.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today, their primary occupation is farming, and some operate small businesses. Their women are highly proficient in sewing, embroidery and knitting. A Brahmin priest usually performs death rites.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They are Hindus who worship Khandoba and Ellamma.

What Are Their Needs?

In Maharashtra (the main home of the Gondhali people), Christians struggle with nominalism. Infighting and legal squabbles have crippled ministry and undermined witness to local unreached people groups like the Gondhali. Perhaps some of the Gondhali people will discover gospel recordings and videos on the internet.

Prayer Points

Pray they will be drawn to gospel radio and the JESUS Film, listen, and understand.

Pray the Gondhali people will encounter Christian believers who are real disciples of Jesus, people who live out their faith and are able to help the Gondhali also become disciples of Christ.

Pray for a movement to Christ among the Gondhali people that will bless all of Maharashtra.

Text Source:   Joshua Project