Introduction / History

The Darzi originally lived in Central Asia and migrated to India long ago. The word darzi means "tailor" in Hindi-Urdu. Not surprisingly, the primary occupation of the Darzi is sewing and production of clothes and fabrics. Educated Darzi have taken jobs in medicine, government, as engineers and as college professors. The most spoken language of the Darzi is Hindi. Others Darzi speak the regional languages where they live.

The Darzi live throughout the nation of India. Large concentrations of Darzi live in the Indian states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Darzi work in cities and towns practicing their trade of sewing and making clothing. They sell their clothes in shops and in village markets. They are endogamous, that is, they marry within their group. Darzi young people marry as adults. Some Darzi marry their first cousins. Monogamy or marriage to one spouse is the general rule while polygamy is accepted. Families arrange marriages often to cement clan ties. Sons inherit family property. Girls are not encouraged to get an education. Boys strive to obtain a higher education. The Darzi eat meat except for beef. Their main foods are grains, vegetables, fruits and dairy products.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Darzi are Hindu, the predominant religion of India. They worship Vishnu, the preserver god of Hinduism and Shiva, the destroyer god. Other gods worshipped by the Darzi include Kali, the goddess of death and feminine energy, Durga, the military goddess and Bhawani, the mother earth goddess. The Darzi make pilgrimages to holy Hindu temples and shrines. They celebrate the major Hindu holidays of Holi, the spring and color festival, Dwali, the festival of lights and Janamashtami, Krishna's birthday. The Darzi cremate their dead.

What Are Their Needs?

Pray the Darzi people would find their true riches in the Lord Jesus.

Pray the Lord would lead the Darzi to hunger for and read the Bible. It is available in all three of their languages.

Pray the Lord would raise up growing, Bible believing churches in the Darzi community.

Pray for a Disciple Making Movement among the Darzi that will turn many to the kingdom of God.

Prayer Items

Scripture Prayers for the Darzi (Hindu traditions) in India.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darzi
https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Darzi#:~:text=Darzi%20means%20tailor.%20They%20are%20also%20known%20as,less%20land%20community%20whose%20main%20occupation%20is%20tailoring.
https://www.indianetzone.com/31/darzi_tailor_caste.htm