Nepali, general in China

Introduction / History

Nepalis are not defined by language, but by their citizenship and their allegiance to the nation state of Nepal. Though they have a trade language that has various names, you can't take one language and call it Nepali per se. In Nepal, people think in terms of their own language and ethnic identity, but in other countries, they are usually known simply as "Nepali."

The original "Nepalis" came hundreds of years ago from India, Tibet, and Central Asia. In prehistoric days a Hindu sage by the name of Ne established himself in the Kathmandu Valley, which has always been the center of Nepali civilization. He meditated and taught there. He was also the protector, or "pali" of this land. Thus, the term, Ne-pali began. This land is high in the Himalayan Mountains, north of India. They share the Hindu religion with their Indian neighbors. Though the vast majority of them live in Nepal, Nepalis have migrated to 26 countries including a small number in China.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Nepalis in China reside in Tibet, where their ancestors first came as traders hundreds of years ago. Most are in Lhasa where they work as traders or in the hospitality industry. A more recent group is Nepalis who come to China on short-term visas.

Other Nepalis are Gurkhas who live in Hong Kong. Gurkha soldiers were stationed in Hong Kong when it was under British rule, but they remained there, after it became part of China.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Nepalis are defined by their religion, Hinduism. Though there are many Tibetan Buddhist people in Nepal, these people are from other people groups, often Bhutanese. Nepali Hindus have the same caste system as Hindu Indian society.

Hinduism is a diverse religion which can involve devotion to one or two gods, or to many. The Vedas are the closest thing to sacred literature in Hinduism. Most Hindus in the Nepali diaspora look to their religion as a way to connect with others from South Asia.

What Are Their Needs?

Nepali Hindus need hearts that are open to having their spiritual needs fulfilled by none other than Jesus Christ, the only Savior.

Prayer Points

Pray for Christians to understand that God brought the Nepalis to their shores so they can experience the blessings of Jesus Christ.
Pray for Christian believers to reach out to these people who need a relationship with the only Savior.
Pray that God will open their hearts to Christian materials found on the Internet.
Pray that soon, Nepali Christians will be discipling those from other religious traditions.

Text Source:   Joshua Project