Mallah Kewat (Hindu traditions) in India

People Name:	Mallah Kewat (Hindu traditions)
Country:	India
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	354,000
World Population:	362,200
Primary Language:	Hindi
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Hindu - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Mallah of Uttar Pradesh 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.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They 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?

They 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 have needs for better education and medical care.

Prayer Points

Pray for a breakthrough of the gospel in their communities that will lead to spiritual and social blessings. Pray for new, inventive, powerful outreaches to these people. Pray for gospel presentations through song and drama. Pray for spiritual openness to the teachings of Jesus Christ.