Gujar (Hindu traditions) in India

Gujar (Hindu traditions) in India

pronounced: GOO-jar

The Gujars combine the practices of Islam and Hinduism to an extent. They bury their dead according to Muslim custom; however, they make fire offerings and upturn a pitcher of water near the grave as Hindus traditionally do. Gujars make offerings to the dead on Fridays, like Hindus, but instead of feeding Brahmins, Gujars follow the Muslim tradition of feeding beggars in the anticipation that the charity will reach their ancestors.

Ministry Obstacles

As with most communities in India, the Gujar speak a number of languages. Church planting strategies must accommodate this fact.

Outreach Ideas

Teams can communicate effectively to the Gujar by telling them stories from Scripture, helping them find the truths embedded in these stories. Gospel films and recordings can also be used.

Scripture Focus

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Ps 139:23-24

Scripture Prayer

Pray that many from this people group will have the kind of intimacy with the Lord that it takes to purge their lives of anything that offends Him.

Prayer Focus

Pray for the few believers among this large community, that they will be filled with the knowledge of God's will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding, and grow into the likeness of Christ. Pray for living conditions to improve for the Gujar, for better employment opportunities, and improved educational opportunities for the children.