Introduction / History

Their name comes from two words, one for "puppet" and the other for "people." They are from the Pathan/Pushtun peoples. During the Moghul Empire, Emperor Akbar imprisoned a group of Pathans, who learned the art of puppetry while incarcerated. When released from prison they moved to Lucknow where they began to use their newly learned art.

Where Are they Located?

This Muslim community lives in a small region within Uttar Pradesh. Specifically, they live in Lucknow and a neighboring part of Awadh.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Many still are puppeteers, but this craft is becoming obsolete. They are more likely to be found running paan shops or driving autorickshaws in the streets of Lucknow and Awadh. Since they are a landless community, they are not likely to be farmers. The Putliwale community only marries close kin.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Putliwale people are Sunni, the largest branch of Islam. They believe that the One, Supreme God, Allah, spoken through his prophet, Mohammed, and taught mankind how to live a righteous life through the Koran and the Hadith. To live a righteous life, you must utter the Shahada (a statement of faith), pray five times a day facing Mecca, fast from sunup to sundown during the month of Ramadan, give alms to the poor, and make a pilgrimage to Mecca if you have the means. Muslims are prohibited from drinking alcohol, eating pork, gambling, stealing, slandering, and making idols. They gather for corporate prayer on Friday afternoons at a mosque, their place of worship.

What Are Their Needs?

The Putliwale people need to understand that they cannot stand in good terms with the Almighty on the Day of Judgment unless they have a sinless Savior, Jesus Christ, as their advocate. Without dependence on Jesus Christ, they cannot be forgiven.

Prayer Points

Putliwale culture to be renewed and enhanced by a work of the Holy Spirit and shaped into a God-centered and God-honoring mold.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among Putliwale family and community leaders to seek His face and enjoy His blessings.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers who will be compelled to nurture a disciple making movement among the Putliwale people.

Scripture Prayers for the Putliwale in India.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Putliwale