Goriya (Hindu traditions) in India

Goriya are also known as Gaur. They are one of the lower castes in Hinduism. Goriya are fishermen and boatmen. They also work as farmers, laborers, and some own small businesses. Goriya eat poultry, fish, mutton and pork, wheat and rice, seasonable vegetables, fruit, and dairy products. Because of their Hindu religion they do not eat beef. Their literacy rate is low, especially for girls. The Goriya have traditional councils controlling social matters. Parents and family members arrange marriages, and they only marry within their community. Though child marriages are common, they are less common than they were a generation ago. Though men hold most power, they still value women. Women maintain the households, and help their husbands on the farm, collect fuel, and carry water. Women are even involved in religious rites and social occasions.

Ministry Obstacles
Goriya primarily live in Uttar Pradesh, a state with very few local Christian believers. They must hear the gospel from outsiders or from Christian radio, etc.

Scripture Focus
"And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, ‘As the LORD lives,’ even as they taught my people to swear by Baal, then they shall be built up in the midst of my people."  Jeremiah 12:16

Scripture Prayer
Pray for today’s people to become well established in their devotion to the Lord alone.

Prayer Focus
Pray that believers go to the Goriya in friendship and love and give them the gospel message. Pray that existing churches in Uttar Pradesh will be strengthened by persecution, and they will soon reach Goriya. Pray for the Holy Spirit to give Goriya the spiritual hunger it takes to seek and find Jesus Christ. May the Lord to miracles among the Goriya community in the coming years.

Presented by Joshua Project
www.joshuaproject.net