Nat (Hindu traditions) in Nepal

People Name:	Nat (Hindu traditions)
Country:	Nepal
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	3,500
World Population:	591,500
Primary Language:	Bhojpuri
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 Dalit - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Nat people prefer to be known as Raj Nat as they claim to have Rajput origins and originate from Rajasthan. They are also called Bhanmati, meaning "something amazing." Nat are classed as a scheduled caste in India and Nepal.

Where Are they Located?

Nat people live in India, Bangladesh and Nepal. The smallest number is in Nepal.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Nat of Nepal are professional dancers, singers and acrobats by tradition. Today many in the Nat community are employed in farming and other trades. Both men and women chew betel nuts and tobacco, and drinking alcohol is common. They usually live in hamlets on the outskirts of villages and towns. Their work and semi nomadic lifestyle have caused them to be impoverished.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Nat people in Nepal practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. They worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Hindus believe that by performing rituals and good works that they will attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. 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.

The main yearly holidays of the Nat people are 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?

They need help in getting their medical, educational and vocational needs met. Please pray the Nat community will acquire skills to make them employable in reputable trades.

Prayer Points

Pray for families of Nat believers loving and serving others to grow reproducing churches.
Pray for a chain reaction of families reaching Nat families that results in hundreds of new believers who share their faith with others.
Pray for grace and truth expanding into the entire Nat society as all believers learn to love others.
Pray that churches and believers will bless their entire people group in such a way that God's love will change the Nat people like yeast changes dough.