Gokha in India

Gokha
Photo Source:  Anonymous 
Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Gokha
Country: India
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 260,000
World Population: 260,000
Primary Language: Odia
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Christian Adherents: 0.29 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: South Asia Dalit - other
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The word Gokha means cow eater. The Gokha are a scheduled caste who live in Odisha. They live in Balasore and other districts of that state. They mainly speak Oriya but some speak Hindi.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Gokha are often fishermen. The women sell the fish. Their literacy level though improved is low and so the gospel may need to be given in oral form. They are poor and it is difficult for them to afford to send their children to school for higher education. They are not vegetarians and eat mutton, fish and eggs with rice. The Gokha have sub-groups and there is marriage between some of these groups. They use both traditional and modern medicines.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Hinduism is their religion. Women are involved in religious and social activities.

What Are Their Needs?

The Gokha people need a relationship with Jesus Christ so they can experience abundant life.

Prayer Points

Pray that in their poverty the Gokha will seek and find Jesus Christ.
Pray that their economic situation will soon improve.
Pray that gospel recordings and the JESUS Film will help them to begin their own Disciple Making Movement.

Text Source:   Joshua Project