Asari in India

The Asari have only been reported in India
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.

Introduction / History

The Asari people of south India are a subset of the larger Viswakarma caste. The Asari are a caste of artisans and craftsmen who do metal working and make jewelry. They are also involved in the construction trades of carpentry and masonry. They are followers of Vishvakarman, the Hindu god of craftsmen and architects, from whom all Asari claimed to descend from. The Asari caste is found in the Vedas where according to legend they made chariots and weapons for kings and rajas. The jewelry and metal items made by the Asari are often used in Hindu rituals and ceremonies.

The main language of the Asari is Odia. Many also speak Hindi, which allows them to do business with most people from north and central India. The Asari encourage their children to pursue education. Many Asari have graduated from university, speak English and work as professionals.


Where Are they Located?

The Asari people live in Odisha, a state in eastern India.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Asari see themselves as protectors and purveyors of Hindu traditions. They are known for making sacred objects like bells, cymbals, Hindu idols, and incense holders. Most Asari would fit into India's middle class today. They are above the laborers and farmers but below large landowners, the Brahmins and rulers. Some Asari claim Brahmin status. Brahmins do not consider them as equals.

The Asari marry with their group both within their clan and with other Asari subgroups. Families arrange marriages with the consent of the young people. Urban educated Asari often make their own choses of spouses with the approval of their parents. Sons inherit property with the eldest son becoming head of the family upon his father's death. Caste councils settle legal disputes and promote their interests.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Asari practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. They consider themselves to be devout Hindus. They worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Hindus believe that by performing rituals and good works that they will attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The Asari 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 many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs.

The main yearly holidays of the Asari people are 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 Asari need to realize that status in the Hindu system will not get them right with the true God. They must understand that only Jesus Christ will bring them the lasting joy and peace they are seeking. They need to see Christ's love demonstrated in the lives of believers.


Prayer Points

Pray the Lord moves Indian believers to befriend and share the good news with the Asari.
Pray that a strong movement to Jesus will bring whole Asari families and communities into a rich experience of God's blessings.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to give the Ansari people love for God's Word and a desire to spread its influence.


Scripture Prayers for the Asari in India.


References

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/21285/IN


Profile Source:   Keith Carey  

People Name General Asari
People Name in Country Asari
Alternate Names Oddi; असरी
Population this Country 7,800
Population all Countries 7,800
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
People ID 16251
ROP3 Code 111373
ROP25 Code 300522
ROP25 Name Asari
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Districts Interactive map, listing and data download
Specialized Website South Asia Peoples
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States 1
  Odisha 7,800
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
100.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Odia (7,800 speakers)
Language Code ory   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Odia (7,800 speakers)
Language Code ory   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Odia

Primary Language:  Odia

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1811-1956)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1809-2000)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1815-2021)
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Audio Recordings Online Audio Scripture Talking Bibles
Audio Recordings Oral Bible stories One Story
Audio Recordings Story of Jesus audio Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Following Jesus video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video God's Story video God's Story
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Odia Jesus Film Project
Film / Video LUMO film of Gospels Bible Media Group/LUMO
Film / Video Magdalena video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video My Last Day video, anime Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Rivka video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Story of Jesus for Children Jesus Film Project
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Biblical answers to your questions Got Questions Ministry
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Four Spiritual Laws Campus Crusade for Christ
General Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General Gospel website in this language General / Other
General Gospel website in this language General / Other
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
General Zume Training Zume Project
Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Keith Carey 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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