The Kalwars were traditionally distillers and sellers of alcohol in north and central India. Their name comes from the Sanskrit word for "distiller of liquor." Since this profession was considered demeaning by most castes in Indian society, many Kalwars around the year 1900 began to leave their original trade for other careers. The Kalwar speak the primary languages of the states where they live. The majority of the Kalwars live in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh. Smaller numbers live in Bangladesh.
Although some of the Kalwars still are in the liquor business, most have taken jobs in agriculture, business, the military, government service, medicine, accounting, education, and engineering. Alcoholism is a problem among the Kalwars. The Kalwars are not vegetarians, but they will not eat beef or pork. Rice and wheat are their staples along with vegetables, fruit and dairy products. The Kalwars are endogamous, that is they do not marry outsiders. Marriage outside of the immediate clan is permitted. Families arrange marriages that are officiated by a Brahmin priest. The newly married couple lives with or near the groom's family. Monogamy (marriage to one spouse) and adult marriage are the general rule. Most Kalwars live in extended families. Sons inherit property with the oldest son receiving the family house and father's authority.
The Kalwars of Hindu tradition worship all the deities of the Hindu pantheon and especially Vishnu, the preserver god and his consort Lakshmi. They also worship two of Vishnu's incarnations, Rama and Krishna. A priest from their own community performs ceremonies that cure diseases and protect against evil spirits. They cremate their dead and scatter the ashes, preferably in the holy Ganges River. The Kalwar participate in Hindu holidays like Holi, the festival of colors, Navratri, celebration of nine nights, Ramanavmi, the birthday of Rama and Janamashtami, the birthday of Krishna.
The Kalwar need to hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ who died for their sins. They need to see biblical Christianity lived out of Christ followers. They need to have the opportunity to join Bible-believing fellowships led by their peers.
Pray the Lord would send believers to befriend and work with the Kalwars. Pray that each Kalwar would have the opportunity to hear the gospel in an understandable way. Pray for a spiritual openness that will draw the Kalwar people to the cross and the empty grave.
Scripture Prayers for the Kalwar (Hindu traditions) in Bangladesh.
Profile Source: Joshua Project |
People Name General | Kalwar (Hindu traditions) |
People Name in Country | Kalwar (Hindu traditions) |
Pronunciation | KAHL-wahr |
Alternate Names | Kalai; Kalal; Kalan; Kalar; Kalari; Kaleri; Kalladi; Kallar; Kalol; Kalya; Konwar; Sehare; Sehore; Sudhi; कलवार (हिंदू ट्रेडिशन्स) |
Population this Country | 3,300 |
Population all Countries | 2,830,000 |
Total Countries | 3 |
Indigenous | Yes |
Progress Scale | 1 ● |
Unreached | Yes |
Frontier People Group | Yes |
Pioneer Workers Needed | 1 |
People ID | 17061 |
ROP3 Code | 112399 |
Country | Bangladesh | ||||||
Region | Asia, South | ||||||
Continent | Asia | ||||||
10/40 Window | Yes | ||||||
National Bible Society | Website | ||||||
Persecution Rank | 30 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) | ||||||
Total States on file | 4 | ||||||
Largest States |
|
Country | Bangladesh |
Region | Asia, South |
Continent | Asia |
10/40 Window | Yes |
National Bible Society | Website |
Persecution Rank | 30 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) |
Total States | 4 |
Rangpur 2,600 | |
Rajshahi 900 | |
Dhaka 800 | |
Khulna 300 | |
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 Bangladesh census data. Current Christian values may substantially differ. |
Primary Language | Bengali (3,300 speakers) |
Language Code | ben Ethnologue Listing |
Language Written | Yes ScriptSource Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
Primary Language | Bengali (3,300 speakers) |
Language Code | ben Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
People Groups | Speaking Bengali |
Primary Language: Bengali
Bible Translation ▲ | Status (Years) |
---|---|
Bible-Portions | Yes (1800-1980) |
Bible-New Testament | Yes (1801-1984) |
Bible-Complete | Yes (1809-2022) |
Bible-NT Audio | Online |
Possible Print Bibles | |
---|---|
Amazon | |
World Bibles | |
Forum Bible Agencies | |
National Bible Societies | |
World Bible Finder | |
Virtual Storehouse |
Photo Source | Copyrighted © 2023 Kerry Olson All rights reserved. Used with permission |
Map Source | People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project |
Profile Source | Joshua Project |
Data Sources | Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more. |