Though most Jats are either Muslim or Hindu, those in the Punjab state are mainly Sikh (1). Among the Jats, there are sub-groups. The largest group is the Dhillon Jats, though there are smaller ones such as the Mann Jats. Its history dates back over 4,000 years with an impressive history in clan folklore.
Most Sikh Jat Mann families are engaged in farming, but they have historically been recognized as warriors. Some Christian anthropologists believe that God has preserved for himself a testimony in every culture.
Of all three major Jat religious groups, the Sikhs are the most powerful and prominent in India. A number of Jat people belonging to the political classes have produced many political leaders, including the 6th Prime Minister of India, Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh.
Until recent times, the Jat Sikhs seemed to be the least meticulous in their observance of Sikh traditions. Sikh Jats observe many ceremonies, especially rites of passage such as initiation into adulthood. Wedding ceremonies are especially important to Jat Sikhs.
During the wedding ceremony, Sikhs make a square enclosure known as Chaonari and perform a fire sacrifice. The couple walks seven times around the Chaonari with their right hand inward. A Jat Sikh cannot take a wife from his own section. Widow remarriage is allowed but she cannot marry her younger brother-in-law or the near relatives of her deceased husband.
Though they are a relatively prosperous community, Some Jat Mann families lack adequate drinking water for themselves and their livestock.
Pray that God will reveal cultural keys among the Jat Mann that will spark a hunger for them to know more about His spiritual truth.
Pray that God will give His servants wisdom and strategies to use these keys to promote the gospel message among the Jat Mann people group.
Pray that God will raise up Armenian believers to go to the Mann people with God's truth.
Scripture Prayers for the Jat Mann (Sikh traditions) in India.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
