Halwai (Hindu traditions) in Nepal


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* From latest Nepal census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.

Introduction / History

The Halwai people group, also known as the Palma Halwais or Rajkarnikar, are part of a Newar clan and were the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. They are an unreached and unengaged group, with about 81,000 people. The traditional occupation of the Halwai people is making candy and sweets, known as "mithai."

The Halwai people are typically well respected socially because of their services to the community and the ritualistic importance of these actions. The Halwai play a key role in celebrations such as marriages and childbirths because of the importance that sweets have for these festivals.

The primary language of the Halwai people group in Nepal is Maithili. If they can read Nepali or Hindi they can usually also read Maithili.


Where Are they Located?

The Halwai people are located in parts of southern Nepal as well as the Kathmandu Valley and its surrounding cities, Patan and Bhaktapur. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is the largest city in Nepal and provides many resources for the Halwai people. It is home to several major pilgrimage sites for some of the world's religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism. A large number of Halwai also live in India.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The primary occupation of the Halwai has traditionally been sweet making. Though this occupation has been declining, there are still sweet shops throughout Nepal. Most Halwai are well off, especially those who live in urban areas.

The Kathmandu Valley has a mild climate most of the year. The average temperature during the day is around 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit, while in July averages are as high as 84.2 degrees Fahrenheit. Nepal experiences a rainy season during the months of June through August, while the months between November to February are dry and cold.

Earthquakes are a recurring natural disaster in Nepal. Pollution such as human and animal waste, and agricultural runoff have damaged some of the environment in Nepal and the places in which the Halwai people live.

The Halwai people are mostly vegetarian. Wheat, rice, lentils, and seasonal fruits and vegetables are a large part of their diet. On occasion they enjoy puri, which is a deep fried wheat bread, potatoes and rice pudding.

The Halwai typically use modern medicines except in the case of minor injuries or illnesses. In those situations, they often use traditional medicines.

The Halwai believe in educating both boys and girls.

Marriages among the Halwai people take place within their own communities. The Halwai practice monogamy and allow divorce. Brides dress to match the traditions of the Hindu religion. A bride smears vermillion powder along her hairline; wears glass bangles, toe-rings, and nose rings; draws a colored dot on her forehead; and decorates her hands with henna ink.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The primary religion of the Halwai people is Hinduism. They worship all the major deities such as Shiva (the destroyer), Durga (Shiva's wife), Rama, and Hanuman. Krishna, who is the most popular incarnation of Vishnu, is also a family deity of a large number of Halwai.

Along with this, the Halwai celebrate all major Hindu festivals such as Holi, Diwali, Ramnavmi, and Janamashtami.


What Are Their Needs?

The Halwai people in Nepal need stability and continuity within their government. Some also need continued aid as they recover from a 2015 earthquake.

Though the Halwai may be financially well off, there is still a need for the gospel to spread among them.


Prayer Points

Pray for God's story to continue throughout Nepal.
Pray for more gospel recordings to be distributed throughout Halwai communities.
Pray for peace between the people of Nepal and its government.
Pray for God to send missionaries to the Halwai people. Pray that they would encounter people of peace.
Pray for the Halwai people to come to Christ without any type of syncretism taking place.
Pray that missionaries who go to Nepal can contextualize the gospel appropriately.


Scripture Prayers for the Halwai (Hindu traditions) in Nepal.


Profile Source:   Kara Strange  

People Name General Halwai (Hindu traditions)
People Name in Country Halwai (Hindu traditions)
Pronunciation hahl-WYE
Alternate Names Bhanti; Haluwai; Halwai; Madak; Maira; Mayara; Mehtar; Methaiwale; Modak; Modhunapit; हलवाई (हिंदू ट्रेडिशन्स)
Population this Country 97,000
Population all Countries 1,871,000
Total Countries 3
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 2
People ID 16905
ROP3 Code 112199
ROP25 Code 302955
ROP25 Name Halwai
Country Nepal
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Total States on file 14
Largest States
Sagarmatha
30,000
Janakpur
23,000
Kosi
18,000
Lumbini
10,000
Bheri
3,900
Bagmati
3,100
Mechi
3,000
Rapti
2,000
Narayani
1,900
Seti
800
Gandaki
800
Mahakali
200
Dhaulagiri
80
Karnali
20
Country Nepal
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Total States 14
  Sagarmatha 30,000
  Janakpur 23,000
  Kosi 18,000
  Lumbini 10,000
  Bheri 3,900
  Bagmati 3,100
  Mechi 3,000
  Rapti 2,000
  Narayani 1,900
  Seti 800
  Gandaki 800
  Mahakali 200
  Dhaulagiri 80
  Karnali 20
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical Unknown)
0.05 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
99.95 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest Nepal census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Maithili (65,000 speakers)
Language Code mai   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 10
Secondary Languages
Awadhi
8,000
Bhojpuri
6,700
Nepali
2,400
Hindi
900
Angika
700
Kumaoni
100
Rangpuri
100
Bantawa
60
Magahi
60
Primary Language Maithili (65,000 speakers)
Language Code mai   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 10
Secondary Languages
  Awadhi 8,000
  Bhojpuri 6,700
  Nepali 2,400
  Hindi 900
  Angika 700
  Kumaoni 100
  Rangpuri 100
  Bantawa 60
  Magahi 60
People Groups Speaking Maithili

Primary Language:  Maithili

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes
Bible-New Testament Yes  (2010)
Bible-Complete No
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 Oral Bible stories One Story
Audio Recordings Story of Jesus audio Jesus Film Project
Film / Video God's Story video God's Story
Film / Video Indigitube.tv Video / Animation Create International
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Maithili Jesus Film Project
Film / Video LUMO film of Gospels Bible Media Group/LUMO
Film / Video My Last Day video, anime 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 Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
General Zume Resources Zume Project
General Zume Training Zume Project
Mobile App Android Bible app: Maithili YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Download audio Bible app as APK file Faith Comes by Hearing
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Maithili YouVersion Bibles
Text / Printed Matter Children and youth resources One Hope
Text / Printed Matter Jesus Messiah comic book General / Other
Text / Printed Matter Literacy primer for Maithili Literacy & Evangelism International
Text / Printed Matter The Ancient Path Live Global
Text / Printed Matter Topical Scripture booklets and Bible studies World Missionary Press
Photo Source (Representative photo)
Rajesh Dangi - Wikipedia  Creative Commons 
Map Source People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Kara Strange 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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