Nat (Hindu traditions) in India

People Name:	Nat (Hindu traditions)
Country:	India
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	573,000
World Population:	591,500
Primary Language:	Hindi
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Dalit - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Nat people prefer to be known as Raj Nat as they claim to have Rajput origins and originate from Rajasthan. They are also called Bhanmati, meaning "something amazing." Nat are classed as a scheduled caste, except in Delhi, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.

Where Are they Located?

Nat people live in Delhi, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarth.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Nat of India are professional dancers, singers and acrobats by tradition.

The low caste position of the Nat means they are denied many benefits except when the government provides them. Their work and semi nomadic lifestyle has caused them to be impoverished.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Nat people are predominantly Hindu. There are many forms of Hinduism with its own deities and beliefs.

What Are Their Needs?

Nat people are no longer considered unreached; however few are known as Christians or evangelicals. They have little if any history of Christianity. Gujarat, Chhattisgarth, and Himachal Pradesh enforce anti-conversion laws which hinder outreach to Nat people with available biblical resources.

They suffer many forms of poverty due to their semi nomadic lifestyle. They need help in getting their medical, educational and vocational needs met.

Prayer Points

Pray urgently for the Lord to thrust out workers to bring His Word to the Nat people.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to equip, empower, protect, and guide these laborers to bear fruit that will last: rapidly multiplying disciples and household churches that lead to a church planting movement (CPM).
Ask the Holy Spirit to raise up harvesters from within the CPM that will be sent out to other unreached people groups until there is no place left in India where Christ is not preached, known, loved, and worshiped.
Pray that the problems Nat experience will lead them to Jesus Christ.