Yadav Ghosi in Nepal

Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
People Name: Yadav Ghosi
Country: Nepal
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 2,200
World Population: 1,869,400
Primary Language: Awadhi
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Christian Adherents: 0.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: South Asia Hindu - Yadav
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Previously the Yadav were called Ahir. The name Ahir is derived from 'Abhira' which is an immigrant tribe found in the inscriptions and Hindu sacred books. The Abhira appear to have been one of the immigrant tribes from Central Asia. They are spoken of as robbers and foreigners. They claim connection to the god Krishna since he was a herdsman. The Yadav are a caste comprised of milkmen, cowherds, cattle raisers, and laborers. Their traditional occupation is animal husbandry and selling animal products. The Yadav consist of both landowning and landless people. Some Yadav are businessmen, teachers, doctors, engineers, and political leaders. In 2008 Nepal became a democratic country. The first president was Ram Baran Yadav. Like many communities in Nepal, the Yadavs have subgroups. One of the Yadav subgroups are the Ghosi Yadavs. The term Ghosi refers to a herder. They believe they are descendants of a king.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Living mainly in villages, the Ghosi Yadav caste consists of milkmen, cow herders, cattle breeders, cultivators, and laborers. Though some have become businessmen, professionals, or political leaders, Yadavs traditionally have practiced animal husbandry and they sold animal products. Because they are associated with cattle, considered holy by the Hindus, they have high prestige.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Yadavs believe they are connected to lord Krishna, whom they worship along with Vishnu and many local gods. Many worship cows. In Nepal, the Yadav people are considered 99.7 percent Hindu, but among the Ghosi subgroup, they are 100 percent Hindu.

What Are Their Needs?

The Ghosi Yadav community needs the blessings of the Lord which will only come about through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray for workers to go to the Ghosi Yadav community. Pray for a Disciple Making Movement to spread far and wide among Ghosi Yadav families and communities. Pray for a spiritual hunger that will lead them to the Risen Savior.

Text Source:   Joshua Project