Koli (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 term Koli means fisherman. According to legend the Koli claim to be descendents from the Black Dwarf that came forth from the body of King Vena. Numbering more than 12 million, they are one of the largest communities of western India. The Koli constitute of a number of communities with various occupations and cultural identities while still remaining Koli. As their name implies, fishing is common. Some are laborers, agriculturists, water carriers, boatmen and some raise animals. Some Koli have advanced education and have positioned themselves well within society and government, but the majority live within the lower strata of society.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Koli live mostly in the villages and towns of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. They live the simple life of agriculturalists. However, as technology has entered into the life of most people they are also aware of the life available in the city and have experienced a few of the material benefits that can be obtained.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Nearly all of Koli are Hindu while a very few practice Islam. The eldest son inherits the father's authority. The Koli cremate their dead and practice death pollution for eleven days. The Koli worship Guar Mati and Holi Mata among other deities of Hinduism. They also believe in ghosts and spirits. Depending on the region, they will celebrate the Namiya festival associated with fishing as well as Karbha, Bahan and other common festivals. A Brahmin priest will officiate at religious activities as well as rituals associated with the cycles of life.


Prayer Points

Ask God that workers will be sent to every district and village.
Pray that God will raise up Koli evangelists that will have a heart to reach their own.
Pray that God will send film teams that will present the life and death of Jesus.
Pray that the God who has set eternity in their hearts will prepare their hearts for the Gospel.


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


Profile Source:   GSCC  Copyrighted ©   Used with permission  

People Name General Koli (Hindu traditions)
People Name in Country Koli (Hindu traditions)
Pronunciation KOH-lee
Alternate Names Bunkar; Buntar; Chamar-Julaha; Dhimar; Kabaria Dagi; Kaperdia; Kapre; Kili; Koda; Koli of Gujarat; Koli Patel; Kora; Koral; Kori; Koria; Kuli; Macchi Koli; Machhi Koli; Machikoli; Mahar-Kili; Malhar; Shilpakar; Shilpkar; Tantubais; Taru; कोली
Population this Country 2,700
Population all Countries 2,941,000
Total Countries 4
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
People ID 17247
ROP3 Code 112615
ROP25 Code 304134
ROP25 Name Koli
Country Nepal
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Total States on file 6
Largest States
Bheri
1,100
Seti
700
Lumbini
600
Rapti
200
Mahakali
90
Bagmati
50
Country Nepal
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Total States 6
  Bheri 1,100
  Seti 700
  Lumbini 600
  Rapti 200
  Mahakali 90
  Bagmati 50
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 Nepal census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Awadhi (1,500 speakers)
Language Code awa   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 4
Secondary Languages
Hindi
600
Bhojpuri
100
Kumaoni
80
Primary Language Awadhi (1,500 speakers)
Language Code awa   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 4
Secondary Languages
  Hindi 600
  Bhojpuri 100
  Kumaoni 80
People Groups Speaking Awadhi
Photo Source Meena Kadri - Flickr  Creative Commons 
Map Source People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source GSCC  Copyrighted ©  Used with permission 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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