Introduction / History Most of the Halakhor people are Muslim, but some remain Hindu like their ancestors. They are among the "backward" castes, which means they have low status. They were traditionally sweepers and scavengers. Where are they located? The Hindu Halalkhor people live in India's states of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha. A smaller number live further north in Nepal. What are their lives like? The Hindu Halalkhor people are from a "backward" caste, so they have low status. They are often sweepers or scavengers, which gives them low status whether they are Muslim or Hindu. Other people groups look down on them. What are their beliefs? Though many people from this community are Muslim, there are Hindus among them in India and Nepal. These Halalkhor people 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. The Halalkhor 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 Halalkhor 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? The Hindu Halalkhor people need to understand that though they have low status among man, they are treasured by the God who gave them life and a purpose. They need to pursue a relationship with that same God. Prayer Points Pray for his kingdom to come and his will to be done among the Halalkhor people in Nepal.
Pray for a movement of Halalkhor households to study the Bible and accept the blessings of Christ.
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will drive the Halalkhor people to the arms of Jesus.
Pray for workers who are filled with the fruit and the power of the Holy Spirit to go to the Halalkhor people. References https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/16903/NP
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/16903/IN
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halalkhor View Halalkhor (Hindu traditions) in all countries.
|