Gosangi (Hindu traditions) in India

Introduction / History

The Gosangi community has been known to be caretakers of cattle and collectors of white milk. Traditionally they were village servants who maintained water ponds and tanks. Those who have a good education are now teachers, bank managers, police officers, or agricultural administrators. Sometimes their children work for pay.

In earlier days, they practiced child marriages, but now only adults marry around 18-20 years of age. The rules of whom can marry who is regulated by community rules. Women contribute to the family income, participate in economic activities, and they are given decision-making powers within the family.

This community probably has higher status than many scheduled castes since they are given free access to all public places like schools, Hindu temples, and roads.

Where Are they Located?

Most Gosangi live in Andhra Pradesh, while some of them have migrated to India's major cities, such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and many others. Some others have migrated to Malaysia, Singapore or the Gulf Arab states, and a very few of them have decided to study in Europe, North America or Australia. The children of Gosangi people who are born outside India might not be aware that they are Gosangi.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Traditionally, most of them are dairy farmers, while those who are educated become teachers, lecturers, police officers or soldiers. Some of them, especially the women, have became domestic workers.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Gosangi community has a good chance of hearing the gospel. There are Christians among them. They listen to the radio, visit movie theaters, and watch TV. They speak Telegu, a language which has Christian materials available for all of these forms of media.

Prayer Points

Pray for these materials to become readily available to the Gosangi people.
Pray that Gosangi believers will introduce their Hindu neighbors to the King of kings.

Text Source:   Global Prayer Digest