Khatwa in Nepal

People Name:	Khatwa
Country:	Nepal
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	118,000
World Population:	425,000
Primary Language:	Maithili
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.10 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	New Testament
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 Khatwa language is Maithili. They are a rural people.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Khatwa people in Nepal are mostly agricultural laborers. Most are not vegetarians and they eat maize, rice and wheat. Family leaders arrange their marriages. They have monogamous marriages meaning that marriage is between one man and one woman. They do not allow for divorce, but the bereaved may marry again. Sons inherit the property on the death of the father with the oldest son taking charge of the home.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Khatwa in Nepal 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.

What Are Their Needs?

Although the New Testament, Bible portions, audio, and the JESUS Film exist in the Maithiali language of this people group, they remain unreached with the gospel. Who will tell them?

Prayer Points

Pray the Lord will give Khatwa families understanding and responsive hearts as they hear about the love of Christ from broken-hearted disciples for whom we are also praying. Pray for the Khatwa people to be delivered from their fear of "Christianity" and to begin their own Disciple Making Movement based on the person of Christ.