Kachera (Hindu traditions) in India

Introduction / History

The Kachera are a relatively small caste of people who live in the central Indian states of Odisha and Madhya Pradesh. Their traditional occupation was that of being peddlers and small business owners. Many Kachera make and sell bangles. These rigid, circular bracelets show that a woman is married. Bangles can be made of plastic, wood, glass or metal. Today the Kachera have branched out into different occupations including working for the government, schools and as sellers of jewelry, stockings, boxes, stationary, needles and thread. The two main languages of the Kachera are Odia and Hindi. They also speak other local languages where they live. There are currently no known Kachera believers.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Kacheras are a lower-middle status community. Parents encourage their sons to pursue higher education. Educated Kachera are entering professions in medicine, engineering, science, and finance. Families arrange marriages within the group with the consent of the young people. Marriage to one spouse in the norm. Sons inherit property upon the death of their father. The Kachera hire Brahmin priests to officiate at important life ceremonies like births, weddings and funerals. The caste buries their dead with the head to the north. A caste council settles legal disputes and enforces social customs.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Kachera practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. They worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Hindus believe that by performing rituals and good works that they will attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The Kachera 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 god as Christians do. There are many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs. The main yearly holidays of the Kachera people are 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. The caste system divides Hindus into four main categories. The lowest communities are outside of the caste system. The Kachera are classified as Vaishya and Shudra.

What Are Their Needs?

The Kachera need to develop new job skills as their traditional job of making glass bangles is being taken over by modern factories. The Kachera need to hear and understand the message about Jesus Christ. He alone can forgive their sins and grant them the gift of eternal life.

Prayer Points

Pray for a spiritual hunger that will give the Kachera people an openness to the teachings and blessings of Jesus Christ. Pray for a disciple making movement that will bless the Kachera people this decade. Pray for the Lord to send out workers to the Kachera people and tell them about Jesus and His love for them.

Text Source:   Keith Carey