Arasar in India
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Arasar |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 19,000 |
| World Population: | 19,000 |
| Primary Language: | Malayalam |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 3.56 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Hindu - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Arasar or Arasarathanar community lives in Tamil Nadu. They speak either Tamil or Malayalam, both South Indian languages.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Arasar people are known for their hand-made products: weaved goods, dyed cloth, etc. Many are farmers or small scale businessmen.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Arasar 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?
Like all other peoples of the world, this people group needs the blessings and guidance that only Jesus Christ can offer.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Lord to bless this community economically and spiritually.
Ask God to raise up Arasar who are more desirous to know the truth than to stay on the broad road.
Ask God to send loving, committed workers to the Arasar in the near future.
Pray the Arasar would no longer be hidden away from the influence of Christ.
Pray for many of them to make disciples who will make even more disciples.