The Patel (Khandeshi) of India

The Patel (Khandeshi) of India, numbering approximately 347,000 people, are Engaged yet Unreached. They are a historically agrarian, landholding, and entrepreneurial community of western India. Patel identity emerged from village leadership, agricultural ownership, and strong kinship networks. The Patel maintain a significant presence in business and politics. They mostly adhere to Hinduism and Khandesi is their primary language.

Photo by Google. (2026). Image generated by Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite: Patel (Khandeshi)

Fast Facts:

Affinity Group: South Asian Peoples
Country: India
People Cluster: Marathi-Konkani
Primary Language(s): Khandesi (khn)
Primary Religion(s): Hinduism
Population: 347,000
Strategic Progress Index (SPI): Engaged yet Unreached
Global Status of Evangelical Christianity (GSEC): Less than 2% Evangelical, No Recent CP Activity
People Group ID: PG046252

Pray for the Patel (Khandeshi) of India

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Dig Deeper (Religion):

Primary Religion: Hinduism
Religious Affiliation: Hinduism

99%
%
Hinduism Adherents

Dig Deeper (Language):

Primary Language: Khandesi
Language Family: Indo-European

100%
%
Khandesi Speakers

Media Resources in Khandesi:

Films:
Title Link
JESUS View Film
JESUS View Film

2 films

Bible Resources in Khandesi:

No Bible resources are listed for this language.

Or check out the Khandesi bible at Bible.com

Linked from YouVersion

SPI: Unreached yet Engaged

The Patel (Khandeshi) are Engaged yet Unreached, which means there are less than 2% evangelical Christian populations but there are sustained efforts at establishing self-sustaining churches consistent with evangelical faith and practice.

Next steps for the Patel (Khandeshi):
Continue prayer and fasting for this group
Continue gospel seed sowing and church planting among this group
Begin training up local leaders to lead and develop strategies to reach their own people

Pray specifically for the Patel (Khandeshi) of India

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
readIsaiah 53:6

Pray that those who have wandered far from God will be drawn back to Him, recognizing their need for a Savior and finding forgiveness and new life in Christ.

Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
readPsalm 2:10-11

Pray for the rulers and authorities here to seek the Lord and serve Him only. Pray that the people they lead will be amazed by the work of God in their lives.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
readEphesians 6:10-11

Pray that as people place their faith in Christ, they will grow strong in His power, putting on the full armor of God, which will enable them to stand against the devil’s lies.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
read2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Pray that as people hear and believe the gospel, they will serve others in Jesus' name, and the lost will have an opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel.

Patel (Khandesi) Across Countries (ROP3 - 116755) reported in the following countries:

Strategic Progress Index

All

1 people group

To download a comprehensive people group list in spreadsheet form, visit our Research Data page.

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