Introduction / History

The Ager people's name comes from the word "agara" meaning "salt pan." They are salt manufacturers who live mainly in certain coastal districts of Karnataka, though some live further north in Maharashtra and Gujarat. Many of them use their community’s name as a surname, so anyone who calls themselves Ager is probably from this salt-making community.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Few of them own land. Though they eat wheat and rice as their staple cereals, the Ager people enjoy fish and wild game when they get a chance to eat it.
They only practice adult marriage. The bride price and dowry are paid both in cash and goods. After the marriage, the couple lives close to the groom's family. Everyone in an Ager family might work, men, women and children. This community is open to having their children educated, but they often drop out.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Agers are Hindus who worship several local and regional gods and celebrate Hindu festivals. Some consult witchdoctors.

What Are Their Needs?

The Ager people need to accept the warm embrace of the only savior so they can enjoy spiritually meaningful lives.

Prayer Points

Pray for the authority of Christ to bind hindering spiritual forces and lead the Ager people to the Light of the World.
Pray for signs and wonders among them and for great breakthroughs with a rapid multiplication of disciples and house churches.
Pray for bold workers who are driven by the love of the Holy Spirit to go to them.
Pray for an unstoppable movement to Christ among them.

Scripture Prayers for the Ager (Hindu traditions) in Pakistan.

References

Some information from “The Scheduled Castes” K. S. Singh, ed. Oxford University Press, USA.