Introduction / History
The Otari are a subgroup of the greater Kasar people. The Kasar or Tambat are a people who live throughout the nation of India. Their traditional occupation is the production and sale of copper and brass items. Tambat in Marathi means copper. The cast of the Kasar depends on where they live. Some Kasar claim Kshatriya level, the second highest caste in Hinduism. In other areas they are seen as merchants, workers or even Dalits. In Maharashtra they are given Other Backward Caste designation making them eligible for special preferences for public jobs and university admission.

Where are they located?
Most of the Otari Kasar people are in either Maharashtra or Karnataka, but some live further east in Odisha.

What are their lives like?
Literacy is a problem among the Kasar. Only 80% of the men and 65% of the women can read and write. The Indian government is working to raise those figures.

The economic position of the Kasar varies widely. Some are wealthy factory owners. These factories used modern machinery to make metal vessels, idols, utensils, bangles (rigid bracelets) and musical instruments. Other Kasar shape metals items like their ancestors did using ancient techniques. One of their specialties is using a hard form of brass called bell metal. They shape bell metal into polished bells and cymbals. The price of copper has skyrocketed due to it value in electoral wire. Some Kasar have had to leave the metal working profession and find new employment in agriculture and manufacturing.

The Kasar marry within their caste but not within their clan. Cousin marriages are forbidden. In times past, girls were married off young, from age 5 to 12. Now adult marriage is more common. Sons inherit property with the eldest son gaining possession of the family home. The Kasar use Brahman priests for important life ceremonies like births, weddings and funerals.

What are their beliefs?
The Otari Kasar practice Hinduism influenced by folk religion. They worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Kali, the goddess of sexuality and death, is their patron deity. They also worship Vishnu and his avatars Rama and Krishna. 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 Kasar visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers and incense to their gods. There are many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs.

What are their needs?
This people group needs the opportunity to allow Jesus Christ to bless their families and greater communities.

Prayer Points
Pray the hearts of the Otari Kasar people would be stirred to hunger after God, to drink of living water.
Pray for family-based disciple-making movements to soon transform Otari Kasar society, blessing them spiritually and economically.
Pray for the Lord to move in the hearts of believers to give up their own rights and sacrifice their lives to see the Otari Kasar people blessed by the work of Jesus Christ, the only Savior.

References
http://indpaedia.com/ind/index.php/Kasar
http://twashtakasartambat.blogspot.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twashta_Kasar
https://www.marathimatrimony.com/community/kasar-matrimonial