Dakkal in India

Introduction / History

Dakkal collect alms from the Madiga community. Before they get the alms, the Dakkal must tell genealogies and folk tales. Typically a Dakkal individual may visit a village for one or two days. Madigas give them food, presents, and money. In return, the Dakkal entertain them by telling tales, singing folk songs, and reciting genealogies. It usually takes another year before the Dakkal return to the same village.

The Dakkal live in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. They speak Telugu, the language of Andhra Pradesh.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Dakkal supplement their income by raising pigs for food and donkeys as pack animals. They use their donkeys to transport goods for merchants. Their women sometimes earn money by working as farm laborers, and by selling palm leaf mats that they weave together. They have traditionally been nomadic, but some are settling down.

What Are Their Beliefs?

This Hindu community worships both Hindu gods and village deities. They look to them for help, guidance and protection rather than the Lord of lords.

What Are Their Needs?

A good way to reach them would be through storytelling and music, two ways to communicate that they have made into an art.

Prayer Points

Pray for creative ambassadors of Christ to go to the Dakkal people with stories and songs that can lead them to the foot of the cross. Pray for them to have the spiritual hunger it takes to embrace Jesus Christ no matter what the cost.

Text Source:   Joshua Project