Mahtam (Hindu traditions) in Pakistan
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Mahtam (Hindu traditions) |
| Country: | Pakistan |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 7,100 |
| World Population: | 163,100 |
| Primary Language: | Saraiki |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Hindu - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Mahtam clan can be Sikh, Hindu or Muslim. They might live in either India or Pakistan. There are many differing stories of their origins. The Hindus and Sikhs among them are very few in number in Pakistan.
What Are Their Lives Like?
They have been known as cultivators and clearers of the forests.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Though there are a lot more Mahtam people who are Sikh, there are Muslims and Hindus among them as well. 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?
Whether they are Hindu, Muslim or Sikh, the Mahtam community needs to put Christ as the center of their lives so they can experience His abundant blessings. The JESUS Film, translated into their Western Punjabi language, collects dust on a shelf next to translated Bibles and gospel recordings. They hold the answer for the Mahtam people, but there is no ambassador of Christ available to offer them. There has been no church planting work among them for many years.
Prayer Points
Pray for workers and intercessors. Pray for spiritual hunger that will lead them to the only Savior. Pray that Indian believers will lead the Mahtam people to begin their own movement to Christ.