Kanjar (Hindu traditions) in India

People Name:	Kanjar (Hindu traditions)
Country:	India
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	238,000
World Population:	242,800
Primary Language:	Hindi
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.05 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Dalit - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

They were labeled a "criminal tribe" during colonial rule, branded as such by their fellow countrymen, and today they have been called the "most despicable" of all the people in India. Given the vast number of people groups in this huge country, this is quite a condemnation!

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Kanjars earned this poor reputation among their peers by prostituting their women and engaging in a variety of other illegal and illicit activities. They have earned a bad reputation in God's eyes by choosing to worship Bhavani and the goddess Prabha. They also invoke the powers of a "protector-exorcist" known as Syaanaa to keep evil spirits at bay, and regularly pay homage to their ancestors through prayer and the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Despite these behaviors, God loves the Kanjar people. He sent His only Son so that they could believe in Him and have everlasting Life. Jesus died on the cross in order to rescue the Kanjars from the dominion of darkness and lead them into the Kingdom of God. Have the Kanjars heard this good news? Do they know that God desires to have relationship with them? Who will tell them?

Prayer Points

Pray for the Kanjar people to be reached with the gospel.
Pray for the Word of God to be preached and demonstrated in such a way that they will be set free from their bondage to demons and self-destruction.
Pray for the Kanjars to realize their true identity in Christ.