Dhiar in India


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* Data can be from various sources including official census, agencies, and local research. Data from these sources can sometimes differ even by orders of magnitude. Joshua Project attempts to present a conservative, balanced estimate.

Introduction / History

The Hindu Dhiar people have a long history in Kashmir, India, dating back several centuries. They have traditionally engaged in agriculture and artisanal crafts, contributing significantly to the local economy. The Dhiar people primarily speak Kashmiri, the local language.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Hindu Dhiar people now live in rural villages in Kashmir, focusing on farming and traditional crafts. They cultivate crops such as rice, wheat, and saffron, and many families also engage in weaving and pottery. Their communities are close-knit, emphasizing strong family bonds and mutual support. The Dhiar maintain a vibrant cultural life with local festivals, music and traditional arts.

The Dhiar's diet is based on vegetarian food, including rice, lentils, vegetables and a variety of spices. They also enjoy traditional Kashmiri dishes like rogan Josh (meat dish), Dum Aloo (potato dish), and festive foods during celebrations. Their culinary practices emphasize simplicity, nutrition, and the use of locally available ingredients.

Their wedding practices are elaborate and deeply rooted in Hindu tradition. Weddings typically include Hindu rituals such as the exchange of garlands, sacred fire ceremonies, and vibrant music and dance performances.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Hindu Dhiar people practice Hinduism, worshiping various deities and observing numerous religious rituals and festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Navratri. Their belief system emphasizes values like dharma (duty), karma (actions and consequences), and ahimsa (non-violence). They honor their ancestors through rituals and ceremonies, ensuring the transmission of their religious and cultural traditions across generations.


What Are Their Needs?

The Hindu Dhiar people need better access to quality education to provide more opportunities for their children. Improved healthcare services are essential due to the limited availability of medical facilities and high rates of preventable diseases. Economic support through modern agricultural techniques, market access, and vocational training can enhance their livelihoods. Infrastructure development, including better roads, clean water supplies, and reliable electricity, will greatly benefit the Dhiar community.


Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to protect the Dhiar people from insurgents.
Pray for a record crop this year as a testimony of God’s power and goodness.
Pray for a Dhiar-based movement to Christ.
Pray for loving and dedicated workers to go to them no matter what the danger.


Scripture Prayers for the Dhiar in India.


References

Cultural Traditions of Kashmir, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, 2017.
Sharma, B.K., "Agricultural and Craft Practices in Northern India," Mittal Publications, 2012.
"Rural Development in Kashmir," Ministry of Rural Development, Governm


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Dhiar
People Name in Country Dhiar
Alternate Names Dhyar; धीयार
Population this Country 9,800
Population all Countries 9,800
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
PeopleID3 16718
ROP3 Code 111957
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 on file 4
Largest States
Jammu and Kashmir
9,400
Himachal Pradesh
200
Delhi
200
Uttarakhand
20
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 4
  Jammu and Kashmir 9,400
  Himachal Pradesh 200
  Delhi 200
  Uttarakhand 20
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.02 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
97.92 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
2.06 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Kashmiri (6,600 speakers)
Language Code kas   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 5
Secondary Languages
Dogri
1,200
Hindi
400
Bhadrawahi
200
Khah
200
Primary Language Kashmiri (6,600 speakers)
Language Code kas   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 5
Secondary Languages
  Dogri 1,200
  Hindi 400
  Bhadrawahi 200
  Khah 200
People Groups Speaking Kashmiri
Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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