Most of the Mahtam Sikh (or Rai Sikh) in the Punjab are migrants from Pakistan. They claim to have 36 clans (gotras), including the Goge, Sarari, Kachure, Badwal, Book and Hakwan. The traditional occupations of the Mahtam Sikh were farming, hunting wild boars, fishing and liquor distillation. Today they are primarily farmers, but many are engaged in other trades as well. They maintain cordial relationships with the scheduled castes and other artisan and service castes of the nearby villages. Many now follow the religious teachings of a man named Radha Soami, which has led to less alcoholism and more vegetarianism.

Lack of workers able to carry the Gospel message accurately is an ongoing problem throughout South Asia.

Pray the Gospel will be proclaimed widely and effectively via Gospel radio in the Punjabi languages spoken in Punjab state and beyond.

There may well be no followers of Jesus today among the Mahtam people, although it is possible there are believers who are not evident. Please pray for these and many others who will soon come to know Christ as savior and lord. There are a number of former Sikhs in Punjab who are now Christians.

Punjab is the only state in India where Sikhs are in the majority. Please pray for a movement of God's Spirit throughout this state. There are encouraging developments already.