Introduction / History

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.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.Nepal is a very poor country. Living in the Himalayan Mountains, most either make their living by the tourist industry or subsistence farming. Farming is tough in mountain terrain.To overcome this situation, many have tried to earn a living abroad. Nepalis live in 22 countries including Oman.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Nepalis in Oman are trying to make money to send to relatives in Nepal. These people work in low-paying jobs in construction, hospitality, manufacturing, and domestic service. They are vulnerable to employers who won’t pay them their wages, so Nepalis have their own lawyers and legal networks. They also have their own social networks where they can celebrate Hindu holiday and enjoy Nepali music and folk dances.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Nepalis practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all term 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 Brahmins.Nepali 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?

Foreign workers are vulnerable in Oman, and Nepalis are no exception. They need protection from the Lord.

Prayer Items

Pray that Nepalis in diaspora to be protected from those who might take advantage of them.Pray for the Holy Spirit to give Nepalis a hunger and thirst for truth and righteousness found only in Jesus Christ.Pray that this location will be a place where Nepalis can hear and embrace the gospel.Pray that Nepali Christians will disciple other Nepalis and the Muslims they meet in the workplace.

Scripture Prayers for the Nepali, general in Oman.

References

https://factsanddetails.com/south-asia/nepal/people_nepal/entry-7827.htmlhttps://trip101.com/article/namaste-nepal-7-customs-to-respect-while-in-nepalhttps://snkeducation.com/blog/f/nepali-in-oman