Rai 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 small independent nation of Nepal is located along the southern slopes of the Himalayas, between India and Tibet. It is home to nearly 300 communities, each one with its own cultural distinctions. The country is primarily agricultural, and most of the population is dependent upon farming for survival. Unfortunately, it is still poor and undeveloped.

The Chamlinge Rai belong to a cluster of people known as the Rai, the largest ethnic group in eastern Nepal. Each of the Rai groups speaks a different dialect and has its own religious beliefs. Their languages have transformed from the original language to a mixture of local dialects, from which most take their names.

Although their facial features are clearly Mongoloid, the Chamlinge claim no relation to the Mongolian race. They believe that they are descendants of the goddesses Marema, Mahadeva, and Nina, (daughter of the earth).


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Chamlinge Rai are primarily rice farmers. Unfortunately, they have been limited by insufficient knowledge of technology, causing a poor yield in crops. They farm rice in the low-lying areas, and raise potatoes, maize, wheat, and barley at higher altitudes. The men are responsible for plowing the fields, while the women take care of planting the seeds. Families often unite to help each other at harvest time. Farmers trade any surplus crops they may have for needed items such as kerosene and salt. Others supplement their meager incomes through craftwork and tailoring.

The Chamlinge Rai typically live in stone or wooden houses made with thatched roofs. The houses usually have wooden porches around the outside.

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.

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. Many believe that this method brings about good results.

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.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The majority of Nepal's population (including the royal family) is Hindu. However, Hinduism and Buddhism exist side by side and are somewhat intermingled.

While the majority of Chamlinge Rai are Hindus, there are also a large number of animists (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.


What Are Their Needs?

Nepal has long been hidden away and forgotten by much of the world. The government of Nepal is opposed to any form of proselytizing; and so government restrictions apply, but most of the time Christians can follow their religion. There are more problems from family members than from the government.


Prayer Points

Ask God to call out prayer teams to go and 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.
Ask the Holy Spirit to complete the work begun in the hearts of the few Chamlinge 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 holy Church among the Chamlinge Rai for the glory of His name!


Scripture Prayers for the Rai in Nepal.


Profile Source:   Bethany World Prayer Center  

People Name General Rai
People Name in Country Rai
Alternate Names Jimdar; Khambu; Kirat-Rai; Majhi Kirant; Manjh-Kirant; राई
Population this Country 718,000
Population all Countries 871,000
Total Countries 4
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 2
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
Pioneer Workers Needed
People ID 17925
ROP3 Code 113409
ROP25 Code 306897
ROP25 Name Rai
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
Kosi
241,000
Sagarmatha
197,000
Mechi
162,000
Bagmati
81,000
Narayani
19,000
Janakpur
7,100
Gandaki
4,600
Lumbini
2,700
Bheri
1,000
Seti
900
Dhaulagiri
700
Rapti
700
Mahakali
400
Karnali
100
Country Nepal
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Total States 14
  Kosi 241,000
  Sagarmatha 197,000
  Mechi 162,000
  Bagmati 81,000
  Narayani 19,000
  Janakpur 7,100
  Gandaki 4,600
  Lumbini 2,700
  Bheri 1,000
  Seti 900
  Dhaulagiri 700
  Rapti 700
  Mahakali 400
  Karnali 100
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Other / Small
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.01 %
Christianity  (Evangelical Unknown)
5.56 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
24.11 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
68.98 %
Unknown
1.34 %
* From latest Nepal census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Nepali (260,000 speakers)
Language Code npi   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 55
Secondary Languages
(only 15 largest shown)
Marathi
156,000
Chamling
50,000
Bantawa
50,000
Sampang
16,000
Thulung
10,000
Khaling
9,400
Dumi
7,300
Wambule
7,200
Puma
6,500
Dungmali
5,600
Bahing
4,800
Kulung
4,400
Maithili
4,200
Yamphu
2,300
Musasa
2,200
Primary Language Nepali (260,000 speakers)
Language Code npi   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 55
Secondary Languages (only 15 largest shown)
  Marathi 156,000
  Chamling 50,000
  Bantawa 50,000
  Sampang 16,000
  Thulung 10,000
  Khaling 9,400
  Dumi 7,300
  Wambule 7,200
  Puma 6,500
  Dungmali 5,600
  Bahing 4,800
  Kulung 4,400
  Maithili 4,200
  Yamphu 2,300
  Musasa 2,200
People Groups Speaking Nepali

Primary Language:  Nepali

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1850-1961)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1821-2010)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1914-2012)
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YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
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Audio Recordings Story of Jesus audio Jesus Film Project
Film / Video God's Story video God's Story
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Nepali Jesus Film Project
Film / Video LUMO film of Gospels Bible Media Group/LUMO
Film / Video Magdalena video Jesus Film Project
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General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible app: Nepali YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Download audio Bible app as APK file Faith Comes by Hearing
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Nepali YouVersion Bibles
Text / Printed Matter Bible: Comic Book Version Super Bible / Comic Bible Society
Photo Source Rai504089 - Wikimedia  Creative Commons 
Map Source People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Bethany World Prayer Center 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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