Kanjar (Hindu traditions) in Nepal

People Name:	Kanjar (Hindu traditions)
Country:	Nepal
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	3,500
World Population:	254,800
Primary Language:	Maithili
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Dalit - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Kanjar people of Nepal were labeled a "criminal tribe" during colonial rule, branded as such by their South Asian countrymen, and today they have been called the "most despicable" of all the people. Kanjars earned this poor reputation among their peers by prostituting their women and engaging in a variety of other illegal and illicit activities.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today the Kanjar people have low status and they have few opportunities to rise above their past.

What Are Their Beliefs?

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. The Kanjar people 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. Specifically, the Kanjar people of Nepal worship Bhavani and the goddess Prabha. 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?

The Bible, audio, and visual resources exist in the language of the Kanjar people, however, they have not been exposed to them, and therefore remain unreached. Who will tell them?

Prayer Points

Pray that Kanjar people would be softened to Jesus Christ and begin to seek out the Savior honored by other people in Nepal. Pray for Holy Spirit anointed workers to go to the Kanjar people of Nepal. Pray for Kanjar families to turn to Christ together, be discipled, and share their eternal life knowledge with others in their community.