Kumhiar (Hindu traditions) in India

People Name:	Kumhiar (Hindu traditions)
Country:	India
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	47,000
World Population:	47,000
Primary Language:	Dogri
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Hindu - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Kumhiar people (not to be confused with the Kumhar potters) are a fairly unknown people group. We know very little about their lives.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Many farm for a living in this high elevation where crops are hard to grow. Potatoes and wheat are important crops. It is a struggle to grow enough food in many parts of Jammu & Kashmir. Life is even more difficult since there is an ongoing low-grade war in Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan. For this reason, the Kumhiar people live with Pakistani military personnel around them as a constant reminder of the endless conflict.

What Are Their Beliefs?

These 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?

Many of the Kumhiar people live in Rajasthan where they lack adequate drinking water. Those who live outside urban areas probably don’t have easily accessible medical care.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to provide for their physical and spiritual needs as a testimony of his power and love.
Pray that the Korku people will have a spiritual hunger that will open their hearts to the King of kings.
Pray for workers who are driven by the love and boldness of the Holy Spirit to go to them.
Pray for a movement to Christ among them to begin soon.