The Dhonoje are one of the Kunbi subgroups. The Kunbis are a cluster of non-elite farming castes in western India. They are a large people group in Maharashtra. They speak Marathi and read and write in Devanagari.
Many are agricultural landowners. Some do other work. There are teachers and businesspeople among them. They prefer to marry their cousins. They are endogamous meaning that they marry within their people group. When the marriage arrangement is finalized the bride's family pays a dowry. They allow remarriage for the divorced and the bereaved. The dead are cremated, though they bury deceased children under ten years of age. Sons inherit the property when the father dies.
The Dhonoje 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 or Jews. There are other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins.
They need the hope and joy that Christ offers all who call upon His name.
Pray that God will give the Kunbi Dhonoje dreams and visions leading them towards a movement to Christ. Pray for discernment and a spiritual desire for truth that will lead them to the only Savior. Pray that gospel materials will be easily available to any who hunger for truth.
Scripture Prayers for the Kunbi Dhaneja in India.
| Profile Source: Keith Carey |
