Day 28 - The Chetri Nationality
Scattered-throughout almost all parts of Nepal
| Population: |
Language: |
Religion: |
| 3 million |
Nepali |
Hinduism |
The Chetri are the second highest caste in Hinduism, second only to the Brahman caste. Traditionally, they represent the ruling or warrior class. The highest sub-class within the Chetri, that of the Thakuri, claim to be descendants of the Rajputs of India. Other Chetris are descendants of Brahman men who married someone from a lower caste.
Chetris follow religious practices and traditions that are very similar to the Brahmin, They are, however, excluded from performing the priestly ritual. They are traditional Hindus and worship many different gods. They also observe the important, festivals such as Dasain, where the goddess of destruction, Durga, is worshipped with many animal sacrifices.
The king and the queen of Nepal are perhaps the most famous Chetris. They and other Thakuri Chetris trace their ancestry to the Jumla district of west Nepal.
Most Chetris are land owning farmers, though many also work in the government and the Nepali military services. Most of those who live in the village have little concept of who Jesus is and may have never even had any contact with a Christian. The gospel awareness would be higher, however, among those in city areas or those who are more educated.
Due to their high caste status, they are respected and listened to by other groups and could play a key role in evangelism. However, social pressure amongst them is strong and an obstacle to their coming to Christ.
Key Prayer Points:
- Pray against the caste system that gives them pride in their status. It is very ingrained in them from birth that they are better than other castes and should not associate with those lower than them. This can be a big hindrance to their coming to Christ.
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- Pray for them to be able to overcome the social pressure that makes them feel that they have to maintain their traditional ways of worship and thinking.
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- Pray against the suppression of women in their society. Pray that the women will have the freedom to think for themselves.
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- Pray against the bondage to the demonic spirits behind the idols they worship daily (Ganesh, Laxmi, Kali, Krishna, etc.).
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