The word Mehtar means prince or leader. The Mehtar are a Scheduled Caste. Their traditional work is scavenging and sweeping. Many of them still do this kind of work. In Andhra Pradesh the Mehtar speak Hindi and Telugu. In Karnataka the Mehtar speak Hindi and Kannada. In Bihar they speak Hindi and Angika.

Many are still sweepers or scavengers, two of the least prestigious occupations in the Hindu world. Some of them work for the government. Though their education level is improving it is still low. They often marry their cousins.

These 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.

The Mehtar people need the opportunity to be reconciled to Almighty God.

* Scripture Prayers for the Valmiki (Balmiki) Mehtar in India.

* Pray for spiritual discernment and a hunger for truth that will lead them to Jesus. * Pray for workers to go to them. * Pray for a powerful disciple making movement among this community. * Pray that gospel recordings will lead them to salvation.