Introduction / History

Arakh are an ancient Kshatriya clan which once ruled large areas of Awadh, an area of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh that borders western Nepal. Kshatriya are the second highest caste in Hinduism. They speak Hindi.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today many Arakh work in agriculture and cannot read or write. Since some Arakh are illiterate, the gospel needs to be presented in oral and visual forms as well as printed forms. Films and radio programs are available in Hindi, the main language of the Arakh.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Arakh people 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.

What Are Their Needs?

As Kshatriyas, some Arakh may take pride in their high place in Hinduism. It is far more difficult for someone with a high position to make changes that will jeopardize their position. There are very few Christ followers in their part of India.

Prayer Points

No known Christian Church exists among Arakh people today. Pray for the Lord to move among the Arakh community, paving the way for the gospel to spread far and wide. Pray for laborers to sow God's word to persons and households of peace, which will in turn catalyze movements to Christ among the Arakh people. Pray that God would overthrow spiritual forces of darkness that oppress the Arakh people and interfere with the spread of the gospel. Ask the Lord to raise up and send out a new generation of fruitful, multiplying witnesses from among the Arakh people.

Scripture Prayers for the Arakh in India.

References

https://radical.net/podcasts/pray-the-word/overcoming-resistance-to-the-gospel-acts-111-2/