Yadav Gualbans (Hindu traditions) in India

Introduction / History

The Gualbans are one of the Yadav communities. They live throughout the nation of India but are concentrated in central part of the county. Their main traditional occupation was taking care of cattle. They sell dairy products, not beef since cattle are sacred animals in the Hindu system.

Most Gualbans Yadav live in Indian states where there are few believers. Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat. These are not states where the gospel has flourished.

The primary language of the Gualbans is Hindi. They also speak the local languages where they reside. Many Christian resources are available in Hindi including a complete Bible, radio programs and the JESUS Film. There are few if any know followers of Jesus among the Gualban.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Some Gualbans still practice their ancient job of taking care of cattle. Some own land and work in agriculture. Others have obtained college educations and work in medicine, science, politics and business. Most Gualban parents encourage their children to gain university educations.

Marriage to one spouse is the norm in Yadav communities. The Gualban marry within the Yadav peoples. Brahmin priests officiate at important ceremonies like births, weddings and funerals.

Sons inherit their father's property. The sons are responsible to care for elderly relatives.

Many Gaulbans are vegetarians. Their staple foods are rice, wheat, lentils, and dairy products. Some rural Gualban young people are moving to Indian cities in hope of a better life.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Gualbans Yadavs 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?

It will take believers from a similar status or a higher status to reach the Gualban Yadavs. These followers of Christ are few in the areas where the Gualban live. However, they can tell Bible stories of people like Abraham, Moses, and others who dealt mainly with livestock. The stories of these patriarchs can lead to stories of Jesus.

Prayer Points

Pray that soon there will be Gualban Yadavs who embrace the gospel and share the ways of Jesus with others.

Pray that churches and believers will bless their entire people group in such a way that God's love will bless the Gualban community.

Pray for networks of believing families and fellowships that will grow spiritually strong.

Ask the Lord to send workers to disciple the Gualbans.

Text Source:   Joshua Project