Kalwar Sunri in India
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Kalwar Sunri |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 668,000 |
| World Population: | 678,500 |
| Primary Language: | Hindi |
| 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 - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Kalwar people were traditionally distillers of alcohol. There is no clarity as to how this community developed.
Most live in India, specifically West Bengal, but a smaller number is in Nepal.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Some of the Sunri Kalwar still produce and sell alcoholic beverages. It is a stigma both to Muslims and Hindus, so they have low status.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Sunri Kalwar 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 Sunri Kalwar people need the Holy Spirit to direct them into a loving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer Points
Pray for Sunri Kalwar culture to be renewed and enhanced by a work of the Holy Spirit and shaped into a God-centered and God-honoring mold.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among their family and community leaders to seek his face and enjoy his blessings.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers who will be compelled to nurture a disciple making movement among the Sunri Kalwar people.
Pray that soon the Sunri Kalwar people will have faith that will lead them to live honorable lives that will draw others to the savior.