The Matangi of India live in Andhra Pradesh. They speak, read and write in Telugu. Sometimes Kannada is spoken. They like having tattoos and enjoy music. The Matangi are not vegetarians and like cereals such as rice and ragi.

The Matangi have several clans. They like cross-cousin marriages. Polygamy is allowed, as is divorce if approved of by the elders. Bereaved people can marry again. Property is inherited by the sons. There is a birth pollution period and rituals for marriage. Rather than burying, the deceased are cremated on a funeral pyre. The very poor may choose to bury if they cannot afford or provide wood for pyre.

The Matangi do railway work, pull rickshaws and do building work for example. They do folk dramas. Women help with these dramas and do agricultural and laboring work.

The Matangi have community elders that judge in disagreements and crimes. The Matangi are Hindus and worship Shakthi. Festivals are celebrated. They do not have a high literacy level and the gospel should be given in oral form too. Modern and traditional medicines are used by them.

* Scripture Prayers for the Matang (Hindu traditions) in India.

* Pray that the elders come to Jesus Christ and lead the others of the Matangi to Salvation also.
* Pray that God gives the Matangi dreams and visions leading them to Jesus Christ.

Singh, K. S., ed. "India's Communities A-Z", Oxford University Press, USA 1999