Halalkhor (Hindu traditions) in Nepal
Photo Source:
Copyrighted © 2024
International Mission Board-SBC All rights reserved. Used with permission |
Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Halalkhor (Hindu traditions) |
| Country: | Nepal |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 5,000 |
| World Population: | 13,200 |
| Primary Language: | Maithili |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.12 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Dalit - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Whether they are Shia Muslim or Hindu, the Halalkhor people have very low status in India or Nepal.
Where Are they Located?
The Hindu Halalkhor people live in West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and Jharkhand states. A small number lives in Nepal.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Halalkhor people work as scavengers, or sweepers, performing the lowest forms of manual labor. They sometimes work with sanitation, jobs which no one would want for two reasons. First of all, it is very unpleasant, and secondly, it makes other communities look down on them.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Most of the Halalkhor people are either Shia or Sunni Muslims, but some are Hindus. They are less philosophical and more practical than higher caste Hindus. 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 many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs.
What Are Their Needs?
The Halalkhor people need to find their worth and dignity in having a relationship with Jesus Christ, the One who loves all peoples the same.
Prayer Points
Pray for His kingdom to come and His will to be done among the Hindu Halalkhor people.
Pray for a movement of Halalkhor households to study the Bible and accept the blessings of Christ.
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will drive the Halalkhor people to the arms of Jesus.
Pray for workers who are filled with the fruit and the power of the Holy Spirit to go to the Halalkhor people.