Day 6 - The Kas Chetri Nationality
Found in far Western Nepal, concentrated in Jumla District
| Population: |
Language: |
Religion: |
| 40,000 |
Nepali |
Hinduism |
The Kas Chetri people are located in the mountainous regions of fu West Nepal. Primarily located in Jumla, "the seedbed" for Himalayan culture, language, and spirituality, this group are thought to be the original inhabitants of that area. They're on the border line of being traditional high caste Hindus, and some wear the sacred thread of the Brahman/Chetri caste. They are also called the Matawala Chetris which actually means the 'liquor drinking" Chetris. This distinguishes them from typical high caste Hindus who abstain from all alcoholic beverages.
Their Hinduism takes on a form of Shamanism, with the predominance of the dami-jakri or a type of Hindu witchdoctor, in their society. One finds few shrines in the villages of the Kas Chetri, other than the clan deity shrines, but the territorial spirits are worshipped and recognized. Spiritual encounters and interaction are a common part of Kas Chetri life.
The vast majority of Kas Chetri people have never heard the name of Jesus, or understood the basic gospel message. The spiritual environment in Jumla is very resistive, and those who have believed have come up against intense spiritual attack. Because of the spiritual atmosphere of the area, however, these people are very open to spiritual things, and to physical demonstrations of God's power, love and reality.
Key Prayer Points:
- Pray for women to receive the gospel. The Kas Chetri women are very communal and closely tied to one another. Though some men have believed, there is the need to see families coming to Christ. Pray for spiritual hunger and a desire for truth to break through the fear of society so women will begin to turn to Christ.
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- Pray for freedom from the powers behind Hinduism and curses over the area. The origin of Nepali culture, religion, history, etc. and of many of the Hindu gods comes from the Jumla area.
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- Pray for the protection of the fragile "seeds". Those who do believe have to grow in very "rocky soil'. Pray for strength, and protection for new believers.
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