Yadav Gaoli in India

Introduction / History

Status is important in Hindu cultures. Yadav peoples, including the Gaoli subgroup, are concerned about their status in the Hindu system. 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. Most Gaoli live in the east central Indian states of Bihar and Jkarkland. There have been times in their long history that Yadav peoples have held power and wealth.

Today some Gaoli are classified as "other backward castes" or OBCs for short. This sounds derisive, but in fact, this refers to people who hold some status, but are not part of the most prestigious communities. The Gaoli Yadav people claim to be descended from Krishna who is an avatar or reincarnation of the Hindu preserver god, Vishnu.

The main language of the Gaoli is Hindi. There are many Christian resources available in Hindi including radio programs, a complete Bible and the JESUS Film.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The main occupations of the Gaoli Yadav are herding cattle and agriculture. They also sell dairy products, but as Hindus do not sell or eat beef. The Gaoli are a mixture of wealthy landowners and landless farm workers.

The Gaoli marry within the Yadav peoples. Marriage to one spouse is the norm. Sons inherit property and take care of elderly relatives. Brahmin priests officiate at important their life ceremonies. Most Gaoli encourage their children to obtain higher education. Educated Gaoli work in professions like medicine, computer science, teaching, engineering, and government service.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Yadav consider themselves to be devout Hindus. When a Gaoli comes to Christ, he or she may be shunned by their family. Hinduism is 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 as 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.

There are few if any Gaoli Yadav followers of Christ.

What Are Their Needs?

The Gaoli Yadav community needs to understand that Jesus Christ is not just another guru or Hindu god. He alone can forgive their sins and grant them eternal life.

Prayer Points

Pray that God leads many Gaoli to his son soon.

Pray that Hindi Bibles, radio programs and gospel materials lead many Gaoli to trust in Jesus Christ.

Ask the Lord to send loving workers to the Gaoli in India and Nepal.

Pray that many Gaoli become followers of Christ and begin a church planting movement in this decade.

Text Source:   Joshua Project