Gond Nagawasi in India

Gond Nagawasi
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Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
People Name: Gond Nagawasi
Country: India
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 172,000
World Population: 172,000
Primary Language: Hindi
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Christian Adherents: 0.50 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Ministry Resources: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: South Asia Tribal - Gond
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Gond Nagwanshi are a scheduled tribe. They live in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh states. They speak Chhattisgarh and read and write in Devanagari.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Nagwanshi Gond work in agriculture and cultivation. Their education level is low as few children go to school, so the gospel will need to be given in oral forms. They prefer to use traditional medicines. The Nagwanshi Gond have adult marriages and prefer cross-cousin marriages. On the death of the father, sons inherit the property with the oldest son having the most. The dead are buried, which is unusual for Hindus. They have a local association to look after their needs.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Nagwanshi Gond 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. Almost all Hindus participate in yearly celebrations like Holi, the festival of colors and the start of spring / Diwali, the festival of lights / Navratri, the celebration of autumn / and Rama Navami, Rama's birthday.

What Are Their Needs?

The Nagwanshi Gond people need to put all their faith in Jesus Christ, the one who came to give abundant life to all who call on His name.

Prayer Points

Pray that the association leaders open the doors for their people to embrace and follow Jesus Christ. Pray for a disciple making movement among them this decade. Pray that gospel recordings and the JESUS Film will lead many to salvation.

Text Source:   Keith Carey