The name Chettri is based on the word warrior. At one time they migrated to India from Nepal, though many still live in Nepal. The Chettri of Uttar Pradesh speak Nepali and Hindi. Many live in Dehradun. In Sikkim they speak Nepali and read and write in Devanagari.
Cultivation, agricultural laboring and office work are their main occupations. While the younger ones are educated, the older ones among them have a low literacy level so the gospel message will need to be given in oral form to reach the elders. They allow for divorce and the bereaved can remarry. Upon the death of the father the sons and unmarried daughters get the property with the oldest son becoming the new family head.
The Chhetri worship a pantheon of gods.
The Chettri 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.
The Chettri people need to experience life to the full, and only Jesus Christ can offer them that.
Pray that Indian believers will help the Chettri community to begin their own disciple making movement. Pray for spiritual discernment and openness to the ways of Jesus. Pray for workers to go and intercessors to pray without ceasing.
Scripture Prayers for the Chhetri in India.
| Profile Source: Keith Carey |
