The Hindu Nai people are located throughout India and the surrounding countries including Nepal. Their traditional occupation is that of cutting hair and nails. The Nai are known by dozens of other names depending on where they live.
The Nai people are one of the lower castes, but nevertheless, they are needed by the higher castes. Many of the Nai men are barbers, and sometimes they also perform minor surgeries. The Nai are needed to prepare men for weddings, funerals, and other occasions that require them to have shaved heads. The women often serve the higher castes as midwives. In the past, Nai barbers worked from huts alongside the roads where travelers could stop for a quick trim. Today, many of them have opened small shops in the cities where they can earn up to three times as much as the barbers along the outlying roads. Though most are Hindu, some of the Nai people are Muslims.
Most Nai people in Nepal practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. 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 like Christians or Jews. 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.
Unfortunately, many of the Hindu Nai are illiterate or functionally illiterate. The gospel will have to be shared with them in oral and visual forms. Many resources are available in Hindi including the complete Bible, radio programs and the JESUS Film.
Pray that the Nai people in the cities and villages will hear the gospel, believe, and spread the word to their friends, neighbors, and even their customers.
Pray for a great spiritual awakening among the Nai people in Nepal that will lead them to the only savior.
Scripture Prayers for the Nai (Hindu traditions) in Nepal.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
