Teli Gangauta (Hindu traditions) in India

Introduction / History

Most Gangauta people live in the Indian state of Bihar, although they also live in Jharkhand, Chandigarh, and Madhya Pradesh. They are a subgroup of the Teli caste, who were traditionally oil pressers. Today machines do that labor-intensive job, so the Teli communities have moved onto other things.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Their primary occupation is now agriculture. Some Teli Gangauta have their own land but most work as landless laborers. They grow rice, wheat and other crops. A caste community council promotes their interests and settles legal disputes. They have a low literacy rate because their children must often work in the fields to support their families.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Gangauta 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 or Jews. 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?

Many Teli Gangauta cannot read or write so the gospel must be presented in oral forms. Workers can come to the rural Teli Gangauta and help them in meeting their physical needs and in educating their children as a way to earn a hearing among their leaders.

Prayer Points

There are no known believers among the Teli Gangauta. Hindu background believers can help them come to know the Savior.
Pray that community council leaders come to Jesus Christ and lead others to him.
Pray that gospel recordings and Hindi radio programs will lead them to salvation.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to give the Teli Gangauta people teachable and understanding hearts that will result in spiritual growth in Jesus.

Text Source:   Joshua Project