Introduction / History

Ahar people consider themselves to be Brahmins – members of the priesthood, the highest Hindu caste. Brahmins, however, do not like to mingle with them. Others consider them to be Shudras – members of the low-ranking worker caste. Whatever their status in the caste system, they are equal to others in the eyes of the living God. Most Ahar people live in India, but there is a small number of them in Nepal.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Ahar are usually the people who own most of the land in the areas where they live. Ahar don't take up menial work as a vocation and are thus ranked above the other working castes in the ritual caste hierarchy.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Ahar people are Hindu by faith and worship Narsingdeo, their family deity and Ganwat, their village deity. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. 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. There are other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins.

Almost all Hindus participate in yearly celebrations like 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?

Ahar leaders do not acknowledge their need for a savior. The Ahar people need Christians to come to them who will not see them through the lens of the caste system and who will pursue them with the gospel in love. They need to hear the gospel and the call

Prayer Items

Pray the Lord will send Christians to share the gospel with the Ahar people.
Pray the Ahar people will hear the gospel, acknowledge their need for forgiveness and trust in Christ as Savior and Lord.
Pray for Scripture to be brought to them in both printed and recorded form, plus other materials to help them grow in the faith.

Scripture Prayers for the Ahar in Nepal.