Introduction / History

The Namdev Maratha migrated from Maharashtra to Tamil Nadu. They speak Marathi and Tamil and read and write in Tamil. Though most are in India, a smaller group is in neighboring Pakistan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Namdev Maratha are tailors and dyers. Some are laborers. They have a caste association to look after their interests.
They often marry their cousins. Family leaders negotiate and arrange marriages. They are monogamous, meaning that marriage is between one man and one woman. The bereaved can marry again. On the death of the father, sons inherit the property with the oldest son taking charge of the home. The dead are either cremated or buried, which is unusual for a Hindu people group.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Even in Pakistan the Namdev 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.

What Are Their Needs?

The Namdev Maratha community needs the essential guidance of God the Father so that they can enjoy life to the full.

Prayer Points

Pray that leaders of the caste association come to Jesus Christ and allow others to begin a church planting movement.
Pray for spiritual discernment and openness to the claims of Christ.
Pray for loving workers who are guided by the Holy Spirit to go to this Hindu people group.

Scripture Prayers for the Darzi Namdev (Hindu traditions) in Pakistan.

References