Text source: Joshua Project Summary The Nat are a community traditionally employed as dancers, singers and acrobats. They are a Scheduled Caste in some states where they live, but not all states. Scheduled Castes receive certain benefits from the government. Today, many in the Nat community are employed in farming and other trades. Both men and women chew betel nuts and tobacco, and drinking alcohol is common. They usually live in hamlets on the outskirts of villages and towns. Hindu Nats worship all the Hindu gods and goddesses, including Rama and Shiva. The Nat in Bihar worship Dack as their main deity, while their regional deity is Goraibaba. Some become hermits and chant the name of Rama, and others are exorcists, healers and fortune tellers. Ministry Obstacles The Nat people are spread across the northern portions of the Indian sub-continent, a vast area, with much spiritual opposition to the Christian Gospel. Outreach Ideas Perhaps some Nai youth will discover the availability of Christian videos and recordings on the web. Pray they will be given an interest and understanding as they view and listen. Pray for Gospel radio to be available, as well. Pray for the followers of Christ The Nat people live not only in Bangladesh, but also in India, Nepal and Pakistan. There are Nats in Bangladesh who have identified themselves as Christian believers, but not so in the other countries. Please pray for the Christians in Bangladesh to be properly instructed in the faith, and not mix the beliefs of Hinduism with the Christian faith. Pray for the entire people group Please pray the Nat community will acquire skills to make them employable in reputable trades. The youth need more and better education. Pray that parents will understand the importance of a good education for their children. View Nat (Hindu traditions) in all countries.
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