Darzi Namdev (Hindu traditions) in India

Introduction / History

Namdev is one of the subgroups of the Darzis, a tailor caste. Many years ago, the Darzi Namdev migrated from Maharashtra to Tamil Nadu. They speak Telugu.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Darzi Namdev are tailors, dyers, and laborers. They have a caste association that looks after their interests. The Darzi Namdev often marry their cousins. Family leaders negotiate and arrange these marriages. They are monogamous and if their spouse dies, they can marry again. After the death of the father, sons inherit the property with the oldest son taking charge of the home. The dead are either cremated or buried, which is unusual for a Hindu people group.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Darzi people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all term 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?

There are probably no Christians among the Darzi Namdev. They will need to hear the gospel from someone outside of their community.

Prayer Points

Pray that leaders of their caste association come to Jesus Christ and then support a church planting movement.
Pray for spiritual discernment and openness to the claims of Christ.
Pray for workers who will stay with them there is a movement to Christ.

References

Text Source:   Joshua Project