Gujar (Hindu traditions) in United States
Photo Source:
Anonymous
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Map Source:
People Group location: US Census ACS Language Spoken at Home. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Gujar (Hindu traditions) |
| Country: | United States |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 265,000 |
| World Population: | 8,374,000 |
| Primary Language: | Gujarati |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Hindu - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Gujar are comprised of three very closely related people groups that are known collectively as the Gujar Rajasthani. The Gujar castes are broadly divided along religious and geographic lines into two groups: the Muslim Gujar and the Hindu Gujar. Those who have migrated to the United States are mainly from the settled farming communities. Today they are settling in and mingling with other Hindu communities, though they might not be as well accepted given their lower status in South Asia.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Hindus like the Gujars who migrate to the United States are primarily concerned with improving their economic situation. They often neglect their spiritual lives or settle for traditional Hindu rituals.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Gujar 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.
What Are Their Needs?
Western Christian believers have an opportunity for outreach to Hindu communities like the Gujar. In South Asia, there are few if any opportunities for them to hear the gospel. Believers can join them for India's Independence Day and other cultural festivals where outsiders are welcome.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Lord to prepare loving and tenacious servants to go to the Gujar people in the United States.
Pray for a movement to Christ among the Hindu Gujar that would spread to their communities in India.
Pray for Gujar disciples to make more disciples in the United States.
Pray for Gujar hearts to yearn for spiritual truth and righteousness.