Collectively, the Rai are known as very courageous, daring, and fearless people. In recent history, they have won worldwide respect for their bravery in the Royal Nepalese Army. Joining the army is often a way out of enduring economic hardship. It also brings respect and honor, especially for those of high military rank.
The Rai peoples are primarily in Nepal, but also in northern India and Bhutan.
Among the Rai, weddings are very festive occasions. Some marriages are facilitated by kongpi, or middlemen, who work out the details of the marriage. Gifts are presented to the families; and if accepted, a marriage date will be set. Other marriages are facilitated by the "arranged kidnapping" of the girl of one's choice. At the wedding, gifts are given to the parents of the bride and groom, as well as to a long line of family members and village elders. The sacrifice of an animal, usually a pig or rooster, may also be performed at this time. Meat and drinks are served in abundance. One favorite beverage is made from barley and potatoes. Often the whole night is spent in singing and celebration.
While the majority of Rai are Hindus, there are also a large number of animists who believe that non-human objects have spirits. In addition, they have been heavily influenced by Buddhism. This mixture has created a wide variety of gods and worship practices among them. These customs are most evident during such events as births, marriages, and deaths. The influence of Hinduism has led to many of the dead now being cremated instead of being buried.
The Rai people need ways to earn a living in such a way that they can afford higher education for their children.
* Scripture Prayers for the Rai in Bhutan.
* Ask God to call out prayer teams to break up the soil through worship and intercession.
* Pray that the Lord of the harvest will raise up long-term laborers to live and work among the Rai people in Bhutan.
* Ask the Holy Spirit to complete the work begun in the hearts of the few Rai believers through adequate discipleship.
* Ask the Holy Spirit to open the hearts of Nepal's governmental leaders to the gospel.
* Ask the Lord to raise up a triumphant church among the Rai for the glory of His name!
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/17925/NP
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/17925/IN
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rai_people
http://www.greathimalayatrails.com/ght-about-nepal/rai-people/
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Rai-people
https://www.revolvy.com/main/index.php?s=Rai%20people
Profile Source: Keith Carey |
People Name General | Rai |
People Name in Country | Rai |
Population this Country | 3,800 |
Population all Countries | 720,000 |
Total Countries | 4 |
Indigenous | No |
Progress Scale | 1 ● |
Unreached | Yes |
Frontier People Group | Yes |
GSEC | 1 (per PeopleGroups.org) |
Pioneer Workers Needed | 1 |
Alternate Names | Jimdar; Khambu; Kirat-Rai; Majhi Kirant; Manjh-Kirant; राई |
People ID | 17925 |
ROP3 Code | 113409 |
Country | Bhutan | |||
Region | Asia, South | |||
Continent | Asia | |||
10/40 Window | Yes | |||
Persecution Rank | 45 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) | |||
Total States on file | 3 | |||
Largest States |
|
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Specialized Website | South Asia Peoples |
Country | Bhutan |
Region | Asia, South |
Continent | Asia |
10/40 Window | Yes |
Persecution Rank | 45 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) |
Total States | 3 |
Western 3,200 | |
Eastern 400 | |
Southern 200 | |
Website | South Asia Peoples |
Primary Language | Assamese | |||
Language Code | asm Ethnologue Listing | |||
Language Written | Yes ScriptSource Listing | |||
Total Languages | 4 | |||
Secondary Languages |
|
Primary Language | Assamese |
Language Code | asm Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 4 |
Secondary Languages | |
Bantawa | |
Bengali | |
Nepali | |
People Groups | Speaking Assamese |
Primary Language: Assamese
Bible Translation ▲ | Status (Years) |
---|---|
Bible-Portions | Yes (1822-1974) |
Bible-New Testament | Yes (1819-1993) |
Bible-Complete | Yes (1833-1995) |
Bible-NT Audio | Online |
Bible-NT Text | Online |
Possible Print Bibles | |
---|---|
Amazon | |
World Bibles | |
Forum Bible Agencies | |
National Bible Societies | |
World Bible Finder | |
Virtual Storehouse |
Resource Type ▲ | Resource Name |
---|---|
Audio Recordings | Audio Bible teaching (GRN) |
Audio Recordings | Online Scripture (Talking Bibles) |
Audio Recordings | Story of Jesus audio (Jesus Film Project) |
Film / Video | Following Jesus (India, JF Project) |
Film / Video | God's Story Video |
Film / Video | Indigitube.tv Video / Animation |
Film / Video | Jesus Film: view in Assamese |
Film / Video | Magdalena (Jesus Film Project) |
Film / Video | Story of Jesus for Children (JF Project) |
Film / Video | The Path of Light |
General | Four Spiritual Laws |
General | God's Simple Plan |
General | Gospel website in this language |
General | Got Questions Ministry |
Mobile App | Download Bible from Google Play Store |
Text / Printed Matter | Bible: অসমীয়া - Assamese |
Text / Printed Matter | Christ for the Nations |
Text / Printed Matter | Jesus Messiah comic book |
Text / Printed Matter | OneHope resources for children and youth |
Text / Printed Matter | Online Bible text (Scripture Earth) |
Primary Religion: | Other / Small |
Major Religion ▲ | Percent * |
---|---|
Buddhism |
1.73 %
|
Christianity (Evangelical 0.00 %) |
0.00 %
|
Ethnic Religions |
0.00 %
|
Hinduism |
12.81 %
|
Islam |
0.00 %
|
Non-Religious |
0.00 %
|
Other / Small |
85.47 %
|
Unknown |
0.00 %
|
* From latest Bhutan census data. Current Christian values may substantially differ. |