People group profile · PG049074
The Waza of India
The Waza of India, numbering about 1,000 people, are No Longer Unreached. They are a distinct Muslim occupational community in Kashmir, traditionally known as master chefs and caterers, especially for preparing the famous Kashmiri ceremonial feast called wazwan.
They are an indigenous people in the Kashmiri people cluster of the South Asian Peoples. Their primary religion is Sunni Islam, and they primarily speak Kashmiri.
Fast facts
- Country
- India
- Population
- 1,000
- Affinity group
- South Asian Peoples
- People cluster
- Kashmiri
- Primary language
- Kashmiri (kas)
- Primary religion
- Sunni Islam
- Strategic Progress Index ?
- No Longer Unreached
- Evangelical
- 2% or Greater but Less than 5%
- GSEC ?
- 2% or Greater but Less than 5% Evangelical
- Lostness priority ?
- Marginally Reached People Group
- Region
- Southern Asia, Asia
- Location
- Himachal Pradesh: Chamba and Lahul Spiti districts in Kashmir valley; Jammu and Kashmir: Anantag, Badgam, Bandipore, eastern Baramula and Kupwara, Doda, Ganderbal, Kargil, Kishtwar, Kulgam, west Leh, Ramban, and Shupian districts
Where they live
Gospel status
The Waza are No Longer Unreached, which means 2% or more are evangelical Christians. In GSEC terms, this people group is greater than or equal to 2% evangelical.
- Congregations exist Yes
- Church planting in the last two years No Churches Planted
Next steps for the Waza
- Pray for the churches among this group to grow in faithfulness and maturity
- Equip believers to reach the unreached peoples around them
- Send out laborers from this people to the nations
Primary religion
Sunni Islam · Islam
100% adherents
Primary language
Kashmiri · Indo-European family
100% speak Kashmiri
Gospel resources in Kashmiri
- Bible available, published 2011
- JESUS Film available
- Radio programs available
- Gospel recordings available
- Audio resources available
- Bible stories available
Films
Find more at the JESUS Film Project, Bible.com and Faith Comes by Hearing.
Pray for the Waza
- Romans 10:14–15. Ask God to send messengers, so that people can hear, believe and call on the name of the Lord.
- Matthew 9:37–38. Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest field.
- 2 Timothy 2:2. Pray for faithful local leaders who will teach others, so that the church multiplies.
- Ephesians 5:8. Pray that those walking in darkness will turn to the light and live as children of light.
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