Introduction / History

The Kahar or Kahal people have several stories about the deriving of their name. Some anthropologists say the name comes from the combination of the words kandh, meaning "shoulder" and ahar, meaning "food." Their traditional work has been as palanquin (a seat carried between poles on the shoulder) or water carriers. Palanquins were for carrying "important" people in comfort. It seems likely that this caste is a remnant of one of the people groups who occupied the valley of the Ganges before the coming of the Aryans.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Brahmin are their sacred priests. One of the main ceremonies associated with marriage is to circle the sacred fire seven times. In villages some are engaged in carrying water for high-ranking communities in the event of marriage, death and other occasions.

The worldview of the Kahar is very different than the biblical worldview. For example, they have no concept of resurrection, a key belief for Christ followers.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Kahar 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 worldview of the Kahar is very different than the biblical worldview. They need people, grounded in scripture, to teach them the ways of Jesus.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Kahar culture to be renewed and enhanced by a work of the Holy Spirit and shaped into a God-centered and God-honoring mold.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among their family and community leaders to seek his face and enjoy his blessings.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers who will be compelled to nurture a disciple making movement among the Kahar people.
Pray that soon the Kahar people will have faith that will lead them to live honorable lives that will draw others to the savior.

Scripture Prayers for the Kahar (Hindu traditions) in India.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kahar