Traditionally the Dhobi people were the ones who washed laundry in the Hindu world. One of their subgroups are the Batham. This subgroup lives in central and northern Indian states such as Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
When a Dhobi girl marries, her dowry usually contains just a few items, but almost always an iron. After the men wash the customers' clothes, the women iron them and keep the money they earn to pay for household expenses. Mothers teach the girls to iron at an early age, and boys help their fathers by washing the smaller articles of clothing and by delivering packages of clean clothes to their owners. In some regions, the Batham have diversified beyond traditional washing occupations, engaging in agriculture, small trade, or other forms of labor. The more fortunate among them hold government jobs or own businesses. This economic flexibility can contribute to a slightly improved social and economic position compared to other Dhobi groups who remain more closely tied to hereditary service roles.
Most of the Dhobis follow popular Hinduism and worship local gods as well as the washing stones. The vast majority remain Hindu, but they have contact with other communities. Hindus have a pragmatic view of the spirit world. Therefore, the Dhobi people often worship whatever spiritual force they believe will help them in practical ways.
Since many of their customers are starting to use washing machines, many Batham Dhobi are facing unemployment. They need job security and job training.
Pray that the Dhobi people will hear the gospel and discover that only Jesus Christ can wash away their sins.
Pray for workers to go to the Batham Dhobi people in India.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will give the Batham Dhobi people such spiritual hunger that they will not be satisfied until they taste and see that the Lord is good.
Pray for a movement to Christ among the Batham Dhobi people.
References
Scripture Prayers for the Dhobi Batham in India.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
