The Nagar of India are originally from Rajasthan. They are not to be confused with the Nagar Brahmins who have much higher status among Hindu communities. Most Nagar people live in Bihar, West Bengal or Odisha. In Bihar the Nagar speak Agika and Hindi and read and write in Devanagari. In West Bengal they speak, read and write in Bengali.
Family leaders arrange marriages. They prefer monogamy. The bereaved can marry again. Sons and daughters inherit the property with the oldest son taking charge of family matters when the father dies.
The Nagar people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. They 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 other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins. Almost all Hindus participate in yearly celebrations like 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.
The Nagar people need to put all their faith in Jesus Christ, the one who came to give abundant life.
Pray that Nagar caste council leaders will come to Jesus Christ and lead their entire community into a Christ-ward direction. Pray that God will give the Nagar dreams and visions leading them to salvation. Pray for intercessors and workers. Pray for a spiritual hunger that will lead them to the only Savior.
Scripture Prayers for the Nagar in India.
| Profile Source: Keith Carey |
