Traditionally, the Dhakad are farmers. A sacred thread (janeu) is the symbol of a married man. After a father's death, the family deity is given to the eldest son as he is the successor. They worship family, clan, and village deities like Gaondei and Banjari Mata. The Dhakad accept food and water from the Brahmin and Rawat only. They do not allow intercommunity marriages. The Brahmin conduct their rituals, the Dhobi wash their clothes on the occasions of birth and death, and the Nai shave off their hair. Family property is inherited equally by all the male children. Their chief god is Balram, from whom they trace their descent.

Workers can expect opposition as Jesus is presented to a people who have worshipped spiritual beings that have held them in bondage for generations.

Pray that evangelists and church planters in other Indian people groups will be led to the Dhakad community. Pray they won't be overlooked as the Gospel advances in India.

Even though there no known followers of Jesus today among the Dhakad, pray that God will be arranging encounters between many in this group and believers who will be obedient to the Spirit in sharing Christ with them. Please pray all the Dhakad people will be set free from the worship of created things.

Scripture Prayers for the Dhakad in India.