Sutradhar (Hindu traditions) in India

Introduction / History

Carpentry has been the traditional source of livelihood for Hindu Sutradhar community. They straddle the worlds of the high caste Brahmins and that of artisans. They provided needed intricate carvings for Hindu temples. The Sutradhar community lives in the eastern half of India.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Carpentry has been the traditional source of livelihood for this community. The contemporary furniture industry has brought significant changes to the way Sutradhar people live and work. Many of them now work under entrepreneurs in urban settings. Some, who can prove their adeptness, can be well paid, but the majority, who are novices, can barely survive on their earnings.
They don't permit the remarriage of a female divorcee or widow in some areas. All Sutradhar children inherit property equally. Their statutory council plans and implements welfare and development activities.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The majority of the Sutradhar are followers of the Vaishnava sect of Hinduism, but some are Shakta. Vishwakarma is their patron deity and Lakshmi their family deity. Kali, Shani, etc. are village deities. Dakshineswar, Tarakeshwar, Puri, etc. are pilgrimage centers. A Brahmin priest serves to perform birth, marriage and death rites.

What Are Their Needs?

Like all other peoples of the world, this people group needs the blessings and guidance that only Jesus Christ can offer.

Prayer Points

Pray they will view and listen to these and will be given spiritual understanding.
Pray for spiritual hunger and discernment.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out disciplers to teach members of the Sutradhar community to disciple others.
Pray for improving literacy rates for this community, especially for the youth, and also for the development of skills that will make people employable.

Text Source:   Joshua Project