Introduction / History

Murao is a Hindu people group that lives mainly in Uttar Pradesh. Smaller numbers are in other states of northern India and further north in Nepal.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Murao are mainly agriculturists. Some are employed in government and private jobs while others work as unskilled laborers.
In Murao marriage ceremonies, worship is performed by the priest at the gate of the house. This is followed by circling of the sacred fire seven times by the bride and the bridegroom. In their funeral ceremonies, before cremation, the head of the corpse is pierced with bamboo.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Murao 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?

Workers are needed to carry the good news of Jesus to the Murao community. Christian workers can use gospel films and recordings, and they also need to care for the physical and material needs of the Murao community. Friendships need to be developed.

Prayer Points

There may be no followers of Jesus among this large community. However, pray for those the Lord will soon call to himself.
Pray that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith.
Pray the Lord will start a movement of Murao families experiencing God's blessings.
Pray they will have messengers of the good news of Christ sent to them.
Pray for the Lord to open hearts to see and receive the living Christ.

Scripture Prayers for the Murao (Hindu traditions) in Nepal.