Mallah Kewat (Hindu traditions) in India

Introduction / History

The Mallah usually go by the name of Nishad, which refers to a character from the Hindu myth the Ramayana. Nishad was a boatman in Prayag (Allahabad UP) who ferried Ram, Sita and Laskman across the river. From this tale, the Nishad take pride and consider their occupation as boatmen along the holy Ganges River carrying Hindu devotees as a high calling or holy occupation. They take pride in their heritage, even though they are considered a backward caste. They live along the major waterways of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal.

There are some Muslim Mallah communities, but most are Hindu. Among the Hindus there are subgroups. One of these subgroups is the Kewat.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Kewat Mallah are poor and mostly illiterate. They are involved in boating and some fishing and sometimes in farming. They are strict about marrying within their own caste. The women are not often seen in public, although at times in Hindu pilgrimage areas such as Allahabad or Benares, you will see children and women of this caste selling flowers and incense for river worship purposes.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Kewat are Hindus. As a general rule, Hindus worship the gods they believe are most likely to benefit them. For example, a boatman will worship the god whom he believes will provide safety.

What Are Their Needs?

They need better education and medical care.

Prayer Points

Pray for a breakthrough of the gospel in the Kewat Mallah communities that will lead to spiritual and social blessings. Pray for gospel presentations through song and drama. Pray for spiritual openness to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Pray for Kewat Mallah disciples who will make more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project