Salat (Hindu traditions) in Pakistan


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* From latest Pakistan census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.

Introduction / History

Most Salat are Hindus but there are some Muslims who converted to Islam during the Mogul period.
The name "Salat" means stone. The traditional occupation of the Salat is masonry and stone cutting. They build Hindu temples, Muslim mosques and other structures.
In Hindu society, the Salat are given the low status of Shudra or even Dalit, one outside the caste system.
The primary language of the Pakistani Salat is Sindhi. Many resources are available in Sindhi including a whole Bible, the JESUS Film and radio programs. Since many Salat are unable to read and write the goods news will have to presented to them in oral or visual forms.
The Salat people live in the western Indian state of Gujarati. A smaller population lives in the Sindh province of southeast Pakistan.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Salat men are cutters and sellers of stone and bricks by trade. Others have taken advantage of the educational system and become teachers, contractors, government workers and business owners. In recent times the Salat have taken on other occupations including agriculture, factory work and construction jobs. Many Salat young people are leaving rural areas and moving to cities searching for better educational and economic opportunities. Salat women care for children and sometimes work as domestics. Children frequently quit school after a few years to help their parents make a living.
Hindu Salat marry within their group, often first cousins. Marriage to one spouse is the norm. Families tend to have a large number of children. In rural areas, life expectancy is low and children mortality is high. Sons inherit property and take care of elderly parents. Elders rule villages and make judicial decisions.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Salat people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of South Asia. They worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Hindus believe that by performing rituals and good works that they will attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. 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 many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs.
The main yearly holidays of the Salat people are 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 Hindu Salat of Pakistan have huge needs. Rural Salat need access to modern medicine and clean water. They need good schools and teachers to educate their children. Rural lack electricity and indoor plumbing. Most of all the Salat of Pakistan need to hear and respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ. He alone can forgive their sin and give them hope for the future.


Prayer Points

Pray for a "Book of Acts" type of disciple making movement to Christ among the Salat community in this decade.
Pray for the Salat people to understand and embrace that Jesus wants to bless their families.
Ask God to send workers to the Hindu Salat.
Pray that Salat parents are able to provide adequately for their children.


Scripture Prayers for the Salat (Hindu traditions) in Pakistan.


References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salaat_(caste)


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Salat (Hindu traditions)
People Name in Country Salat (Hindu traditions)
Population this Country 1,800
Population all Countries 23,000
Total Countries 2
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
Alternate Names Champta; Chamta; Chamtha; Sompura Brahmans; Sompura Brahmin; सलत (हिंदू ट्रेडिशन्स)
People ID 18001
ROP3 Code 113494
Country Pakistan
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 7  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Country Pakistan
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 7  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States 1
  Sindh 1,800
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
100.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest Pakistan census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Sindhi (1,100 speakers)
Language Code snd   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 3
Secondary Languages
Dhatki
900
Kacchi
100
Primary Language Sindhi (1,100 speakers)
Language Code snd   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 3
Secondary Languages
  Dhatki 900
  Kacchi 100
People Groups Speaking Sindhi
Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Joshua Project  
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Read more