Introduction / History

The word Pati means mat, and they traditionally weaved mats. The Patial live in West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. Half their population is further east in Bangladesh. They speak, read and write in Odia, the language of Odisha.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Patial make a certain kind of mat from the mutra plant and sell it. They have a council to look after their interests. Their children are educated to secondary level. The Patial use modern medicines.

The Patial are monogamous. Widowers can marry again. There are birth and marriage rituals. On the death of the father, sons and daughters have same shares of the property but the daughters do not claim it. The oldest son takes in charge of the family estate.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Patial people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase 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 the Brahmins.

Almost all 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?

They need the Holy Spirit to open their eyes so they can see Jesus.

Prayer Points

Pray that gospel materials will lead the Patial to begin a movement to Christ.
Pray that Patial council leaders will come to Jesus Christ and lead others to him.
Pray for loving workers to go to them and make disciple who will make more disciples.

Scripture Prayers for the Patial in India.

References

Singh, K. S., ed. "India's Communities A-Z", Oxford University Press, USA 1999