Day 18. Kumhar in India (koom-HAR)

The Kumhar are tied to ancient Indian culture by creating clay idols, artwork, and pottery for daily use. Their name in Sanskrit means “maker of pots” and some go by the name of the Hindu supreme Creator God, Vishwakarma. Known for their hard work, the Kumhar are a large caste group of Shudra that includes many different clans. They are usually classified as Other Backward Caste (OBC) though some places classify them as Scheduled Caste (Dalit/outcaste) status.

The Kumhar are more spiritual than the average Indian; very loveable and honest. Like most Indian peoples, the Kumhar are primarily Hindu, worshiping Shiva in addition to a number of local deities, though some are Sikh and speak Punjabi.

With the decreasing demand for clay containers and dishes, it has become much more difficult for the Kumhar to earn enough money to survive. If they cannot find other work, they become more dependent on producing clay idols which tends to be only seasonal work. Education is a challenge for the Kumhar since many of them lead nomadic lives. Children often quit school after a few years to help their parents earn a living working the pottery wheel. Additionally, the Kumhar frequently lack access to modern medicine and clean water.

Prayers for the families of the Kumhar:

Lord, send workers who follow Jesus to love the Kumhar and to show them You are the best Potter, lovingly planning and shaping our lives. Reveal Your power as stronger than any idol created by human hands. Bring healing, health and wholeness to their families.

Lord, bless Your Holy Scriptures in the heart language of the Kumhar. Send your Holy Word into their homes, either through stories from guests they invite in or through the free audio on their phones. Send adult literacy trainers to help them learn to read and write without having to attend classes.

Lord, please heal, forgive, and reveal Your presence to the Kumhar. Give the Kumhar hope for their children. Raise up whole Kumhar families to worship the Creator of the universe and to spread the good news of Your love and grace to many families.

The blessing of Jesus upon the Kumhar: For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. (2 Cor. 4:6-7)