Dom (Hindu traditions) in India

Introduction / History

Dom tradition says they were cursed by their gods to a life of poverty for killing a cow. Though most live in India, they also live in other countries in South Asia such as Pakistan and Nepal.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Day laborers, street musicians and beggars; this doesn't sound like a very meaningful choice of vocations. These are the choices for the Dom people across India.
Dom women are subordinate to the men in society, most often working in the home or supplementing the husband's income by begging. Women do, however, have a role in the ritual and religious spheres. These roles are reinforced by the way Dom children are raised. Education is encouraged for boys, but not for girls.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Doms are committed Hindus, with special devotion to the gods Baba Ramdeo and Bhainro. The Baba Ramdeo temple in Rajasthan is a major tourist attraction. Along with this devotion, each family worships a deity of its own choice. There are also a significant number of Dom Animists who constantly make small animal sacrifices to deter ill luck. There are no more than a few hundred known Christian believers among the Dom population.

What Are Their Needs?

The Dom people need to understand their sense of worth as a community is tied in with the God who created them. They might be looked down upon by Hindu society, but God offers them much more.

Prayer Points

Pray for a spiritual breakthrough among the Dom people that will lead them to the cross.
Pray that God would break down centuries-old bondages that keep the Dom people entrapped.
Pray that God would use the Dom people to bring others to faith in Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project