Kahar (Muslim traditions) in Bangladesh
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Kahar (Muslim traditions) |
| Country: | Bangladesh |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 7,300 |
| World Population: | 248,300 |
| Primary Language: | Bengali |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Muslim - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Kahar or Kahal people have several stories about the deriving of their name. It is said, by some anthropologists, that the name comes from the combination of the words kandh, meaning 'shoulder' and ahar, meaning 'food.' Their traditional work has been as palanquin (a seat carried between poles on the shoulder) or water carriers. They are over 7 million strong in India and in some areas known as a Schedule caste.
Most Kahar clans are Hindu but there are many Muslim Kahar in Bangladesh, Nepal and India. There primary language in Nepal is Maithili and Bhojpuri. Prasad, Singh and Verma are common surnames.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Today many of the Kahar can be found to have many occupations. Some are small businessman, shop keepers or food vendors. In the rural areas they can be found as cultivators, laborers or rickshaw-pullers.
What Are Their Beliefs?
In general, the Kahar are favorable to having their children attend school and this may be an avenue of ministry and assistance to the community.
Prayer Points
Pray that some from the Kahar would hear and come to know the name of Jesus.
There are no known workers among this Muslim group in Nepal or Bangladesh. Pray for dedicated workers.
Pray for them to fully understand and cherish the name of Jesus Christ.