Manihar in Nepal
Photo Source:
Anonymous
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Map Source:
People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Manihar |
| Country: | Nepal |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 1,600 |
| World Population: | 658,600 |
| Primary Language: | Bhojpuri |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Muslim - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Manihar have a name derived from two Sanskrit words, mana and kara. Mana, meaning 'precious stone', and kara, meaning 'maker '. Therefore, the Manihar have been known for their occupation of making and selling glass, lac, or ivory bangles for many years. Almost all are in India or Pakistan, but some are found in nine zones of Nepal.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The business of making and selling of bangles has long been the livelihood of Manihar communities. Due to the limited availability of elephant tusks for ivory, many bangles and beads are now manufactured from plastic. Today, some Manihar take other jobs, including tailoring. The literacy rate among the Manihar tends to be low. They speak primarily Nepali and use Urdu and Bhojpuri in Nepal and mainly Urdu and Hindi in India.
What Are Their Beliefs?
They are Sunni Muslims and tend to share foods with other Muslim families but traditionally do not allow marriage outside their community. Siddiqi can be a common surname.
What Are Their Needs?
In India, workers are just beginning to work among the larger populations, but in Nepal the work has yet to begin. Who will take these Muslims the gospel of peace?
Prayer Points
Pray for individuals from a Muslim background who can begin work among them in this Hindu background nation.Pray for God to send dreams and visions of the risen Christ to Manihar family leaders and elders.Pray for the Holy Spirit to give them the desire for spiritual truth and righteousness no matter what it costs.