Kharwar in Bangladesh
Photo Source:
Anonymous
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Kharwar |
| Country: | Bangladesh |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 20,000 |
| World Population: | 663,000 |
| Primary Language: | Sylheti |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.83 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Tribal - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Kharwar people are a Scheduled Tribe. They speak a language by the same name that is from the Austroasiatic language family. Most live in the states of eastern India such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. A small number are in Bangladesh.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Kharwar people have their own culture and customs which include folk music and dance. They perform these during yearly festivals.
They have always been farmers who also raised livestock. Some are now in urban centers seeking better job opportunities.
Because they are a low-status community, the Indian government is trying to raise them up through better healthcare, education and government job opportunities.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Kharwar people in Bangladesh 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?
The Kharwar people need to accept the warm embrace of the only savior so they can enjoy spiritually meaningful lives.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Holy Spirit to work mightily in their communities, blessing them in every way.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to give the Kharwar people a love for God's word and a desire to spread its influence.
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.