The Tamboli (or Tambuli) name is derived from the word tambul, meaning betel leaf, and their traditional occupation has been to sell betel leaves. In some areas of residence they are a land-owning community, and some are employed in various trades. Most belong to the Vaishnava sect of Hinduism. The shrines of Muslim holy men are also sometimes venerated. In some areas they worship areca nuts, betel leaves, sarota, scissors, lime, etc. as symbols of their trade. With few exceptions they marry only within their own caste, but clans within the caste marry across clans. On the third day after a death bones and ashes are immersed in the river. Final rites are performed either on the twelfth or thirteenth day after death.
The Tamboli speak some 37 languages and are spread across most of India. A number of evangelistic and church planting projects will be needed to take the Gospel message effectively to all these individuals.
Much prayer is needed for the Hindu caste groups of India to be set free to worship Jesus Christ, the son of the living God. Please pray for prayer groups and prayer networks to be raised up.
There likely are no followers of Jesus Christ today among the Hindu Tamboli caste, but please pray for any secret believers and for others who will soon come to Christ in believing faith. Pray they will be visited by mature believers who know how to help them become real disciples of Jesus.
Pray the Tamboli community will be given accurate information about Jesus, who he is and what he has done for them, and will be given faith to believe. Pray they will be completely delivered from devotion to idols and false gods which have no life in them.
"Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, Who alone works wonders. And blessed be His glorious name forever; And may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen, and Amen." Psalm 72:18-19
