The caste name of the Chuditya people comes from their occupation which was drying rice. Such an occupation gives them low status, but they are not near the very bottom in terms of status.
The Hindu Chuditya people live in Odisha, a state in eastern India.
Though they are known for drying rice, most are also farmers who also tend livestock. For this reason, family disputes often center around land ownership. Other family disputes center around disciplining the children or when someone challenges the authority of an elder.
The women do the hardest work, such as bringing water to the home from a well or collecting firewood. Women contribute to the family income by making and selling chuda and mudhi, two versions of fried rice. Chuditya sons are the ones given opportunity for higher education, not daughters.
This caste is not noted for their artistic abilities; they do not have their own folk dances or songs. However, they have oral traditions to pass on folk tales.
The Chuditya people worship numerous Hindu gods and goddesses in their homes. Once in a while they go to a Hindu temple to worship regional deities. At the temples they employ the help of Brahman priests.
Like just about all people groups in Odisha, the Chuditya people need the chance to allow Jesus Christ to transform their families and communities.
Pray that the sheer wonder of knowing Jesus and the impact He has on their lives and the joy He brings spur believers to share Christ with the Chuditya people.
Pray the hearts of the Chuditya people would be stirred by a sovereign work of the Holy Spirit readying them for the time when they hear the gospel message being shared with them.
Pray they will experience dreams and visions of Jesus leading them into a saving relationship with Him.
Pray for an unstoppable disciple-making movement among the Chuditya people.
Scripture Prayers for the Chuditya in India.
Peoples of India: Odisha, vol XVI, part 1
| Profile Source: Keith Carey |
