A Nepali from the Chhetri tribe
The Nepalese Chhetri are the major ethnic group in Nepal. They speak Nepali, which is the country’s official language. The Nepalese have many racial, cultural, and linguistic similarities to the people of northern India. Their domestic and religious practices are also patterned after the higher Hindu castes of India.
Most Nepalese live in small villages in hilly terrain and are accustomed to traveling long distances on foot. They are known for their cheerfulness, good humor, resourcefulness, and self-confidence. Their population consists primarily of three “castes,” or social classes: the Brahmans (priests and scholars); the Kshatriyas (rulers and warriors); and the Achut (laborers and servants). The Achut perform the most polluted tasks, such as cleaning bathrooms. Many also beg and scavenge for a living. As “untouchables,” they are excluded from and considered ritually unclean by the other classes of Hindus.
Nepal opened its borders in 1951. However, foreign missionaries found it difficult to evangelize because of the strict government laws and scrutiny of foreigners.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Most of the Nepalese are farmers. They live in small rural settlements that are situated near rivers or springs. The villages consist of loosely grouped homes surrounded by farm land. Only the poorest families do not own land. In middle and southern Nepal, the land has been terraced for generations. Wet rice is grown during the monsoon season; dry rice, maize, millet, and wheat are raised on drier land during the summer and winter months. The Nepalese also cultivate vegetable gardens to feed their families. Most of the farmers raise buffalo and goats for meat and cows for milk.
Nepalese villages consist of loosely grouped homes surrounded by farm land. The villages are generally situated near rivers or springs, and the homes are connected by footpaths. Sometimes the paths meet together near a large tree that is used as a meeting place for the villagers, as well as a resting place for travelers. There are also a number of larger towns where the important temples or monasteries are located.
Houses are usually made of mud-brick with thatch or tin roofs. The bottom portions of the houses are painted with red clay, and the top halves are whitewashed. Most houses have two or more stories. The kitchen and living quarters are often located upstairs to keep them free of pollution by stray animals that might wander into the house. Most houses have porches and courtyards where people socialize and do crafts such as weaving.
Nepalese children, whether born to landowners or to servants, are treated well. Breast-feeding may continue until a child is three years old. There are many rites of passage for children, such as the first rice feeding and the first haircut. Also, girls go through puberty rites and boys go through initiations known as “sacred thread ceremonies.” When they are about eight years old, the children begin doing domestic chores. Girls help care for the younger children, carry food for the animals, and haul water. Boys usually tend to the animals.
Nepalese girls were traditionally married before they reached the age of ten. Now, they usually marry later, but still do not begin living with their husbands until they have matured.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Nepal is a Hindu kingdom in which the king is worshipped as an incarnation of the Hindu god, Vishnu (protector and preserver of world). Although 80% of Nepalese are Hindus, there are still a large number of Buddhists and Muslims. All of these groups have held onto their traditional animistic beliefs (a belief that non-human objects have spirits). They recognize local gods, goblins, and spirits. They also believe in ghosts and demons that haunt the crossroads and rivers. Offerings are made to these spirits in order to appease them.
With Hinduism embracing 330 million gods, Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, has more temples, houses, and idols than people.
What Are Their Needs?
Several missions agencies are now working among this people group; however, their progress has been slow. Less than one percent of the Nepalese in Nepal know Jesus. Christianity is looked at as the “foreigners” religion. New believers are considered “untouchables” – the caste you do not mix with. Baptism is considered the ultimate proof of conversion, and the person performing the baptism can face up to a six – year prison term.
Prayer is the key to reaching the Nepalese with the Gospel.
Prayer Points
Pray that God will encourage and strengthen the Nepalese who have converted to Christianity.
Ask God to bless worship and intercession by Christians from other countries who come for prayer in Nepal.
'Kumari' (child goddess) from the Newar tribe
One of the most cultured ethnic groups in Nepal, were the country’s earliest inhabitants. Though the Newar are scattered throughout Nepal, they are primarily concentrated in the Katmandu Valley. They speak, Newari, a Tibeto-Burman language that has borrowed many words from Sanskrit, Maithili, and Nepali. There are several dialects of Newari, and it is written in the Devanagari script.
While most of the Newar are Hindu, there are also a significant number of Buddhists. Both of these religious groups have “caste systems” (social classes) based on occupations. One modern trend in their society is the breaking up of this caste system. Today, the Newar are at liberty to follow any profession they choose-except the priesthood.
The priests make up the highest caste among both Hindus and Buddhists. The Hindu Newar priests are known as the Deo Bhaju; the Buddhist Newar priests are called Bajracharya.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Katmandu Valley is located at the center of the India-Tibet trade route, and most of the Newar are skillful merchants and traders. Many others have found government jobs, and a few are farmers. Some of the farmers use tractors, but many still cultivate the land with short handled hoes called kus. Rice is the staple food of the Newar. It is eaten with soup, vegetables, and some meats.
Unlike many other tribes in Nepal, the Newar are not usually recruited into the military. In recent years, Katmandu Valley has become the major political and administrative region of the nation. This has enabled more of the Newar to find employment in administrative areas and construction work. Tourism is also becoming an important industry.
Most Newar settlements are built on elevated ground surrounded by farmland. The settlements look like small cities. Rows of three-story brick buildings stand along narrow lanes. The settlements have many ornate Buddhist and Hindu temples, which are-besides Mount Everest-the most important tourist attractions in Nepal.
Newar societies are patrilineal, which means that the line of descent is traced through the males. Members of the same family line generally worship the same gods. Marriages are almost always arranged by the parents, and a “mediator” is used to complete the formalities.
The artistic talents of the Newar are displayed in their sculptures and architecture. Inspired by Indian tradition, unique styles of palaces, temples, monasteries, fountains, and residential buildings have developed. They are often decorated with wooden carvings and equipped with stone or metal sculptures. The walls are covered with religious paintings, scrolls, and manuscripts. Drums, cymbals, and wind instruments are played during the religious festivals and rituals.
What are their beliefs?
Hinduism, Buddhism, and traditional ethnic beliefs are all a part of the Newar’s religious lives. Since Hinduism is the state religion in Nepal, it has received the strongest support by the government.
The Newar Hindus worship a multitude of gods, the most important of which are Braham, the creator of the universe; Vishnu, its preserver; and Shiva, its destroyer. They also believe in the existence of demons, hostile spirits the dead, ghosts, and witches. Traditional practices include the digu dya rituals, in which frogs are fed after rice planting. Cremation grounds, crossroads, and huge stones are thought to be favorite haunting places. Diseases are believed to be caused by the ill will of the “mother goddess,” witchcraft, or evil spells. Treatments include reciting incantations, making offerings to the gods, and using herbs and other medicines.
What are their needs?
The Bible has been translated into the Newari language, and several other Christian resources are available to the Newar at this time. Prayer is the key to reaching these precious people with the Gospel.
Prayer Points
Ask the Lord to call people who are willing to go to Nepal and share Christ with the Newar.
Ask God to grant wisdom and favor to the missions agencies that are currently targeting the Newar.
Pray that God will give the Newar believers boldness to share Christ with their own people.
Ask God to rebuke the spiritual principalities and powers that are keeping the Newar bound.
Ask God to raise up prayer teams who will break up the spiritual soil of Nepal.
Ask the Lord to bring forth a triumphant Newar church for the glory of His name!
GURUNG
A farmer from the Gurung tribe
The Western Gurung are primarily located in the Kaski and Syangja districts, a central strip of mountainous country in the Western Gurung region of Nepal. The majority of their villages are situated on the mountain slopes at elevations between 1,000 and 2,000 meters (roughly 3,000 to 6,000 feet). Their language, also called Gurung, is a dialect of the main Gurung family.
The origin of the Gurung is unknown; however, they are believed to have come from Tibet to settle in Nepal. Gurung legend tells of a king (Ghale Raja) who ruled in ancient times. In the fifteenth century, Ghale Raja was overthrown by the Nepali king of a neighboring principality. By the sixteenth century the Khasa kings had conquered most of the land of modern day Nepal. Because the Gurung were mercenaries in the Khasa armies, they were highly regarded in the new kingdom. Today, some are enlisted in the Gurkha regiments.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Most of the Western Gurung are farmers. Despite the fact that they are hard workers, most of them are very poor. The meager amount of food that they are able to produce is barely enough to sustain them. Their main food sources are millet, maize, and some rice. They also raise soybeans, grains, and string beans. In the northern part of the Lamjung district, the Western Gurung raise sheep and goats. Wool is used to make woven crafts, which are sold in tourist markets.
The Gurung live in villages built high on the ridges. The people live in whitewashed houses with slate roofs. The men usually wear vests and loin cloths. They also sometimes wear kilt-like garments. Women wear colorful wrap around dresses and upper garments over blouses. They also wear nose rings or earrings.
Traditionally, Gurung society is organized into two major class groups: the “four castes” and the “sixteen castes.” Lately, differences between these groups have decreased. The Western Gurung are not isolated, but are aware of the customs of the surrounding peoples. They have ongoing relationships with members of the working castes who live in the Gurung villages.
In order to be considered an adult in Gurung society, marriage is essential. Marriages are arranged by both sets of parents while children are quite young. January is the preferred month for a wedding ceremony. A household typically begins as a nuclear family, then grows into an extended family unit. Newlyweds move in with the groom’s parents and remain there until their own children have become adults. The man then builds his own house, usually near the home of his parents. Children are taught to be obedient to their parents and respectful of their elders. Younger children learn acceptable social behavior by the older children who care for them.
The Western Gurung have many interesting customs. For example, three days after the birth of an infant, the tuno bandhane ceremony is held. This entails wrapping the newborn baby (after it has been washed in either cow’s milk or cow’s urine) in a long piece of cloth. The Gurung also love to sing and dance during festive occasions. The young people often gather in the rodi ghar (dance hall) to sing songs that they have written.
What are their beliefs?
Although the Western Gurung are predominantly animists (believe that non-human objects have spirits), they have been strongly influenced by Hinduism. When a Gurung dies, an astrologer consults his horoscope to determine whether the body should be buried or cremated. Then, thirteen days after the death, an image of the deceased is made and dressed in his or her clothes. The priest recites scriptures while the headman of the village and the relatives of the deceased bring offerings to the image.
What are their needs?
The government of Nepal fiercely opposes any form of evangelism. Many Christians have been imprisoned for sharing their faith.
Prayer Points
Pray that God will continue to open the doors of Nepal to missionaries.
Ask God to encourage and protect the few known Western Gurung believers in Nepal.
Pray that God will call people who are willing to go to Nepal to bring the Truth to the Western Gurung.
Ask God to soften the hearts and open the ears of the Western Gurung to the Gospel.
Pray that the Lord will raise up qualified linguists to complete translation of the Word of God into their language.
Pray for God’s presence and purposes to be revealed among the few Western Gurung Christians.
Pray the Lord will rebuke the spiritual principalities and powers that are keeping the Gurung bound.
Pray that a strong Christian work will be raised up among the Western Gurung.
RAI
A Mangpa (priest) of the Rai Tribe
The small independent kingdom of Nepal is located along the southern slopes of the Himalayas, between India and Tibet. It is home to nearly 400 different tribal groups, each one with its own cultural distinctions. The country is primarily agricultural, and most of the population is dependent upon farming for survival. Unfortunately, it is still poor and undeveloped.
The Chamlinge Rai belong to a cluster of people known as the Rai, the largest ethnic group in eastern Nepal. Each of the Rai groups speaks a different dialect and has its own religious beliefs. Their languages have transformed from the original language to a mixture of local dialects, from which most take their names.
Although their facial features are clearly Mongoloid, the Chamlinge claim no relation to the Mongolian race. They believe that they are descendants of the goddesses Marema, Mahadeva, and Nina, (daughter of the earth).
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Chamlinge Rai are primarily rice farmers. Unfortunately, they have been limited by insufficient knowledge of technology, causing a poor yield in crops. They farm rice in the low-lying areas, and raise potatoes, maize, wheat, and barley at higher altitudes. The men are responsible for plowing the fields, while the women take care of planting the seeds. Families often unite to help each other at harvest time. Farmers trade any surplus crops they may have for needed items such as kerosene and salt. Others supplement their meager incomes through craftwork and tailoring.
The Chamlinge Rai typically live in stone or wooden houses made with thatched roofs. The houses usually have wooden porches around the outside.
Collectively, the Rai are known as very courageous, daring, and fearless people. In recent history, they have won worldwide respect for their bravery in the Royal Nepalese Army. Joining the army is often a way out of enduring economic hardship. It also brings respect and honor, especially for those of high military rank.
Among the Rai, weddings are very festive occasions. Some marriages are facilitated by kongpi, or middlemen, who work out the details of the marriage. Gifts are presented to the families; and if accepted, a marriage date will be set. Other marriages are facilitated by the “arranged kidnapping” of the girl of one’s choice. Many believe that this method brings about good results.
At the wedding, gifts are given to the parents of the bride and groom, as well as to a long line of family members and village elders. The sacrifice of an animal, usually a pig or rooster, may also be performed at this time. Meat and drinks are served in abundance. One favorite beverage is made from barley and potatoes. Often the whole night is spent in singing and celebration.
What are their beliefs?
Ninety percent of Nepal’s population (including the royal family) is Hindu. However, Hinduism and Buddhism exist side by side and are somewhat intermingled.
While the majority of Chamlinge Rai are Hindus, there are also a large number of animists (believe that non-human objects have spirits). In addition, they have been heavily influenced by Buddhism. This mixture has created a wide variety of gods and worship practices among them. These customs are most evident during such events as births, marriages, and deaths. The influence of Hinduism has led to many of the dead now being cremated instead of being buried.
What are their needs?
Nepal has long been hidden away and forgotten by most of the world. The government is fiercely opposed to any form of evangelization, and has restricted the spreading of the Gospel. The penalties for sharing Christianity have been harsh. Many believers have spent time in prison for their beliefs.
The Chamlinge Rai have neither the Bible nor the Jesus film in their language. There are only a few known believers among them.
Prayer Points
Pray against the spirits of Hinduism and ethnic religions that are keeping the Chamlinge Rai bound.
Pray that the Lord of the harvest will raise up long-term laborers to live and work among the Rai.
Ask the Holy Spirit to complete the work begun in the hearts of the few Chamlinge believers through adequate discipleship.
Pray that God will raise up qualified linguists to translate the Bible into the Chamling language.
Pray for the speedy completion evangelistic materials into Chamling.
Ask the Holy Spirit to open the hearts of Nepal’s governmental leaders to the Gospel.
Ask the Lord to raise up a triumphant Church among the Chamlinge Rai for the glory of His name!
SHERPA
Although they practice Buddhism, the Helambu Sherpa live in the only official Hindu state in the world: Nepal. This small nation is landlocked between India and Tibet, and the Helambu Sherpa live in the south central portion of the country.
The Helambu Sherpa migrated from Tibet to Nepal in the 15th century in order to flee religious persecution. At that time, a Mongol King attempted to force them to convert to his sect of Buddhism. The people fled to the Khumbu region, and later moved further into the Helambu region.
The language of the Helambu Sherpa is very similar to Tibetan, and they can still communicate in a simple form of Tibetan. They are distinguishable from Tibetans in part because their faces are smaller and they wear a colorful apron on their backside rather than the front.
The name Sherpa means “people from the East.” They received this name from landlords whom they served.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Tourism has grown in importance in Nepal since the 1960s. Kathmandu, the capital city, attracts visitors because of its many picturesque temples. Such temples are characteristic of Buddhist art and architecture. A growing number of hikers and mountain climbers are using Kathmandu as a major base for expeditions to Mount Everest, and for hiking tours in the Himalayas. This has provided the Helambu Sherpa with their main source of income. Every house along the trail has become a lodge crowded with weary trekkers each day as evening approaches. The women serve as shopkeepers, cooks, and hostesses. The men also cook, clean, and keep the visitors happy.
Apart from serving the tourists, the Helambu Sherpa are farmers. They grow primarily potatoes and corn, and buy their rice from the valley areas. Their staple food consists of jhamba (porridge). Their main drink, raksi, is a local brandy made from wheat.
Most Helambu Sherpa live in two-story homes built with stones, concrete blocks, and wood. Their villages are on the lush foothills of the Himalayan mountains. However, because of the tourism industry, Western culture has influenced many of the Helambu Sherpa villages.
Along with the colorful aprons, the women wear wrapped dresses called bhokkus, which are ankle-length. The men wear bhokkus that come only to their knees with suruwals (tight-fitting, warm trousers) underneath. The men also like to wear thick sheep-skin jackets.
What are their beliefs?
Most of the Helambu Sherpa are Buddhists. Every home has a decorated corner set aside for their gods. High places are often areas of worship. There, flags with prayers written on them are hung in hopes that some god may hear their pleas.
Colorful festivals are abundant, each one devoted to obtaining favor with a different god. The mild face of the Buddha occupies every Helambu Sherpa altar.
One festival, Gyawa, takes place 49 days after the death of a loved-one. The people gather to eat as much as possible during the festival, believing the food will go toward nourishing the loved one who has died.
What are their needs?
The Helambu Sherpa are easy going and relaxed. Most eat well and usually have reasonably clean water from the mountains. Despite the outward peace, however, there are signs that their culture is unraveling. Alcohol and greed seem to permeate the social fabric.
A large number of Helambu Sherpa live in Kathmandu for part of the year, which makes them available to hear the Gospel. However, though many have an awareness of Christianity, there are only a handful of known believers among them. These few stand alone as Gospel witnesses to their people, since there are no mission agencies working among them. There is currently no translation of God’s Word in their native language. The Helambu Sherpa of Nepal have little or no opportunity to know Jesus Christ as their Lord.
Prayer Points
Ask the Lord to call people who are willing to go to Nepal and share Christ with the Helambu Sherpa.
Ask God to strengthen, encourage, and protect the few known Helambu Sherpa Christians.
Pray that God will raise up qualified linguists to translate the Bible into the Helambu Sherpa language.
BRAHMAN
Over thousands of years, countless groups have migrated into India and Nepal, many of which have maintained distinctive cultures. Today, more than 200 languages are spoken throughout the countries. The complex Hindu “caste” system has further divided the people into an endless number of social classes.Most Maitili speakers are members of the Brahman and other high castes of Hindus. (The Brahmans make up the highest category in the Hindu caste system.) Although Maitili speakers have a rich cultural heritage, its Brahman community is not as well respected as other Brahmans are. Perhaps this is due to the fact that Maithili speakers carry their devotion to their religious beliefs to an extreme.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Maitili speakers have changed very little since ancient times. Their women still practice age-old folk art traditions. For example, even the poorest families live in homes that have been beautifully adorned with traditional designs. Most of the houses are decorated with geometrical patterns and figures of gods or people. The women use locally manufactured colors and gums for decoration. They use thread, match-sticks, or thin bamboo sticks wrapped in cotton as paint brushes.
The fact that Maitili speakers live in an isolated region has contributed to their cultural behavior. Their long seclusion has resulted in a distinct “backwardness” and a general lack of initiative among the people.
The Maitili Brahmans have been split into several sub-groups: the Srotiyas, the Yogyas, the Panjibahas, and the Jaibaras. These groups are organized into successive ranks with each level subordinate to the one above.
Among Maitili speakers, two of the most important ceremonies are marriage (jauna) and death. Girls are not allowed to remain unmarried because the Brahmans consider marriage to be a religious sacrament with its partners predestined by the gods. The question of viewing ones physical features before marriage is of no concern to them at all in settling the marriage. The date of a marriage is fixed by an astrologer. In the jauna ceremony, a boy is allowed to wear the sacred thread of a Brahman.
After a Maitili speaker dies, his body is cremated. Before death, he performs a type of “death ritual.” In this ritual, he worships a cow and gives it to one of his near relatives. The Maitili speakers believe that a “river” lies between this world and the next. This worship ritual supposedly helps him to cross the river and reach heaven by holding onto the cow’s long tail.
Maitili speakers are extraordinarily devoted to the laws of their faith. They are so concerned about doctrine that they would dare not tell a lie, especially when referring to their religious lives.
What are their beliefs?
Although 95% of Maitili speakers are Hindus, they have maintained their traditional superstitions. They believe that spirits and imps (elves or small demons) exist, sometimes in bodily form. Witchcraft abounds and spells are often cast. The Maitili believe that sacrifices must constantly be made in order to keep the spirits appeased. However, one Hindu sect, the Upanisads, has introduced a new religion that opposes sacrificial ceremonies. Their primary aim is to deliver individuals from their mundane lives by being absorbed in the search for truth. In this “quest for knowledge,” rituals are useless. This type of thinking is more in line with modern Hindu attitudes.
What are their needs?
Maitili speakers are steeped in superstition and deception, yet consider themselves to be very intellectual. Much prayer is needed to break down the strongholds that are keeping Maitili speakers in spiritual darkness.
Prayer Points
Ask the Holy Spirit to grant wisdom and favor to the missions agency that is targeting the Maitili.
Pray that the Lord will raise up long term workers to join those who have already responded.
Ask God to speed the completion of the translation of evangelistic materials into the Maitili language.
Pray that God will give the Maitili believers boldness to share Christ with their own people.
Ask the Lord to bring forth a triumphant Maitili-speaking Church for the glory of His name.
[...] Nepali Brahmin [...]