Chhetri in Bhutan
Photo Source:
Steve Evans - Flickr
Creative Commons
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Map Source:
People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Chhetri |
| Country: | Bhutan |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 4,300 |
| World Population: | 5,277,300 |
| Primary Language: | Nepali |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Online Audio NT: | No |
| 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
Hundreds of years ago the Chhetri people group was formed through the intermarriage of several people groups that had settled in the mountains of Nepal. Later the Chhetri became fierce warriors and conquered most of Nepal. The name Chhetri is based on a word for warrior. In 1768 one Chhetri family formed the royal family of Nepal.
Where Are they Located?
The Chhetri community is most numerous in Nepal, though some have migrated to Indian's northeastern states and Bhutan.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Chhetri people eat egg, fish, mutton, and rice. On the death of the father, the sons and unmarried daughters get the property with the oldest son becoming in charge of the home. They have birth and marriage rituals and the dead are cremated.
Cultivation, agricultural laboring and office work are their main occupations. While the younger Chhetris are educated, the older ones among them have a low literacy level so with them the gospel message will need to be given in oral form too.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Hinduism is their religion, but some Chhetri people also follow Buddhism. It is highly likely that Chhetri people in Bhutan have adopted some of the ways of their Tibetan Buddhist neighbors.
What Are Their Needs?
The Chhetri people of Bhutan are a proud people who can easily fall into the trap of putting their hope and identity in the accomplishments of their ancestors. They need the humility to understand that Jesus is the only one who offers hope.
Prayer Points
Pray that Indian believers will lead the Chhetri people to Jesus Christ.
Pray that gospel recordings will lead Chhetri people to salvation.
Pray for them to be discipled in the ways of Jesus Christ in Nepal, India and Bhutan.