The Mal are a community known as a Scheduled Tribe, which gives them low status among Hindus. Their name comes from the Sanscrit word for "wrestler." They are divided into about five sub-castes, and many clans. Though there are small communities of them in Bangladesh and Nepal, most live in eastern India.
Most are agricultural laborers with no land of their own, although they are also known for being watchmen or gatekeepers. Some sell wood and work as laborers in road construction and forests. The Mal marry only within their own people group. The marriage symbols for women are vermilion and iron bangles.
Every Mal is a Hindu, and this people group celebrates its own festivals. Their form of Hinduism has become tied to the Mal identity. Hinduism is the ancient religion throughout South Asia. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of India and Nepal, 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. Other Hindus are philosophical.
An ample supply of Christian resources has been available to them, but the Mal have a low literacy level, so the gospel must be presented orally. Audio and film presentations are available. There is a need for piercing intercessory prayer to break through the spiritual barriers that keep the Mal people from the blessings of Jesus Christ.
Pray for the Lord to provide for the physical needs of the Mal people in Bangladesh as a testimony of his power and love. Pray the Lord will send workers to tell them about Jesus. Pray he will prepare them for this, and that they will be given understanding.
Scripture Prayers for the Mal (Hindu traditions) in Bangladesh.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
