Mal (Hindu traditions) in Bangladesh

People Name:	Mal (Hindu traditions)
Country:	Bangladesh
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	24,000
World Population:	1,783,100
Primary Language:	Bengali
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Hindu - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction

The Mal marry only within their own people group. They are divided into about five sub-castes, and many clans. The marriage symbols for women are vermilion and iron bangles. Most of the Mal are landless laborers. Some sell wood and work as laborers in road construction and forests. They follow both traditional and Hindu religious practices, worshiping Baram, Aram, Gotasila, Rangini, Sitala, Manasa and other deities. They place the Brahmin above themselves and the Kudmi, Bhumij and Santhal below themselves in the caste hierarchy. They live in India and Nepal, as well as in Bangladesh.

Ministry Obstacles

Lack of workers inhibits the advance of the Gospel throughout South Asia. Jesus said to pray for workers.

Outreach Ideas

Much sustained and focused prayer is needed to overcome severe spiritual resistance to the advance of Christ's kingdom throughout South Asia. Please pray for prayer groups and prayer networks to form within South Asia, and without.

Pray for the Followers of Christ

Even though there is no indication today of followers of Jesus among the Mal people, we should pray for those who will soon come to Christ. Pray they will be zealous to know and serve the Lord, and will demonstrate the fruit of God's Spirit, love, joy, and peace.

Pray for the Entire People Group

Please pray for the people of the Mal community, in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Pray the Lord will send workers to tell them about Jesus. Pray he will prepare them for this, and that they will be given understanding. The worldview of the Hindu is very different from that of the Christian.