Kahar (Hindu traditions) in Bangladesh
Photo Source:
Anonymous
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Map Source:
People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Kahar (Hindu traditions) |
| Country: | Bangladesh |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 79,000 |
| World Population: | 9,504,000 |
| Primary Language: | Bengali |
| 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 - Kahar |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
It seems likely that this caste is a remnant of one of the communities who occupied the valley of the Ganges before the coming of the Aryans. The Brahmins are their sacred priests.
What Are Their Lives Like?
In villages some are engaged in carrying water for high-ranking communities in the event of marriage, death and other occasions. The women are often the ones carrying water while the men work at tea stalls or in garages and factories.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Kahar 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?
The worldview of the Kahar is very different than the Biblical worldview. Tools (The JESUS Film, recordings, videos, etc.) are available in most of the languages spoken by the Kahar community, but workers are needed to carry these tools to the people. They need to gain their dignity and self-worth from being children of the Most High God.
Prayer Points
We trust the Lord will soon call out his followers from among the Kahar community.
Pray they will be patient with each other, bearing with one another in love.
Pray the Kahar will understand that Jesus desires to bless their families and clans, not harm them.
Pray they will be able to raise their standard of living and be well equipped for the challenges of the 21st century.