Kami in India

Kami
Photo Source:  Pexels  Creative Commons 
Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Kami
Country: India
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 116,000
World Population: 1,564,000
Primary Language: Nepali
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Christian Adherents: 2.29 %
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:

Introduction / History

The Kamis are Nepali speakers in West Bengal. The Kamis are also found in southern Sikkim, mostly in rural areas. They are scattered throughout India, but much more numerous in Nepal and less numerous in Bhutan. Many in India are bilingual, also speaking Hindi.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They are a rural people known for metal working. They are divided into two groups: black smiths and gold, silver, and copper smiths.

They supplement smithing with agricultural work. Others serve as curers, who favor traditional medicines over the use of modern medicine.

What Are Their Beliefs?

As a rule, Kamis are Hindus. They worship different Hindu deities, and they go on pilgrimage to Hindu sacred sites in Darjeeling, a region of West Bengal. Some have converted to Buddhism, especially those in Bhutan, Buddhist majority country.

What Are Their Needs?

The Kami people need a John 10:10 blessing: The abundant life Jesus offers those who are willing to submit to his lordship.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Christian Kamis to be loving and forthright in sharing their faith.

Pray for the Kami people to have access to modern medicine and good schools.

Pray for increased literacy and access to Scripture in their languages; and for The JESUS Film to be shown in their communities.

Pray for a powerful movement to Christ among the Kami people in India, Nepal and Bhutan.

Text Source:   Joshua Project