Yadav Dhindhor in India

Introduction / History

The Yadav are a people who live throughout the nation of India. They are concentrated in north central India. The Dhindhor are a sub-group of the larger Yadav peoples. They claim to be descended from Krishna who is an avatar or reincarnation of the Hindu god, Vishnu. The primary occupation of the Yadav is the production and selling of dairy products. They are also work in agriculture.

Status is important in Hindu cultures. Yadav peoples, including the Dhindhor subgroup, are concerned about their status. The Yadav peoples hold a place of honor, since traditionally they deal with cattle and dairy products in a culture where the cow is sacred. There have been times in their long history that Yadav peoples have held power and wealth.

Today the Dhindhor are classified as "other backward castes" or OBCs for short in some Indian states. This sounds derisive, but in fact, this refers to people who hold some status, but are not part of the most prestigious communities. OBCs are eligible for government jobs and special consideration for university admissions.

The main language of the Dhindhor is Hindi. Many Christian resources are available in Hindi including a complete Bible, the JESUS Film and radio programs. College educated Dhindhor also speak English.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Dhindhor Yadav generally owned the land that they farm. Most are vegetarians whose main foods are rice and wheat along with fruit, vegetables and dairy products.

The Yadav marry within their group. Marriage to one spouse is the norm. Sons inherit property and take care of elderly relatives. The Yadav encourage their sons and daughter to obtain university educations. Educated Yadav work in professions like government service, business, teaching, medicine, and computer science.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Dhindhor Yadav 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 do. 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?

The high position of the Dhindhor Yadav in Indian society could be an obstacle for them to come to Christ. Hindu background believers can share with the Dhindhor Yadav the blessings of knowing Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray for a "Book of Acts" type of movement to Christ among the Dhindhor Yadav.

Pray that Dhindhor Yadav leaders come to Jesus Christ and lead their families and others to him.

Pray that Lord opens the spiritual eyes of the Dhindhor Yadav.

Ask the Lord to send workers to the Dhindhor Yadav.

Pray that the Lord raises up a growing church among the Dhindhor in this decade.

Text Source:   Joshua Project