Tarkhan (Hindu traditions) in Pakistan

People Name:	Tarkhan (Hindu traditions)
Country:	Pakistan
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	13,000
World Population:	1,000,000
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:

Introduction / History

Traditionally the Tarkhan people were carpenters, and their status is hard to determine. Some consider them to be a "backward" Hindu community while others point to them having fairly high status. Though most live in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, and Punjab, a small number live further west in Pakistan's Punjab Province.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Tarkhan community have traditionally been widely engaged in carpentry, but presently they are engaged in many other trades. Marriages outside their own caste are allowed, and even encouraged to an extent. They have two endogamous (marry only within the group) subgroups and several clans. Clan names are often used as surnames. They have been described as "backward in terms of literacy, economic standards, social and cultural awareness."

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Tarkhan 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. 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?

The Tarkhan people need to submit to Jesus Christ so they can experience the abundant life He offers them in John 10:10.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to thrust out Holy Spirit filled workers to go to the Tarkhan people, both in India and in Pakistan. Pray for Tarkhan elders to have a craving for spiritual truth that will lead them to the cross. Pray for a Disciple Making Movement to bless this community in both countries where they reside.