Mallah Dhawa (Hindu traditions) in India
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Mallah Dhawa (Hindu traditions) |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 25,000 |
| World Population: | 27,200 |
| Primary Language: | Hindi |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Hindu - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Mallah often 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 Lakshman across the river. From this tale, the Nishad consider their occupation as boatmen along the holy Ganga river carrying Hindu devotees as a high calling or holy occupation. They take pride in their heritage. Mallah are the traditional fishermen and boatmen of India and neighboring countries.
There are some Muslim Mallah, but most are Hindu. Within the Hindu fold, there are several subgroups. One of these is the Dhawa Mallah of West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. They speak Hindi.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Dhawa Mallah people are usually poor and often 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?
Though most Mallah are Hindu, there are many who are Muslim. There is no founder for Hinduism as there is for Buddhism, Islam or Christianity. There is often a thin line between what is Hindu and what is traditional animistic religion. There are millions of deities that Hindus might worship; they tend to focus on those they believe will help them with practical needs.
What Are Their Needs?
The Dhawa Mallah community needs better educational opportunities and improved health care.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among Mallah families and community leaders to seek his face and enjoy his blessings.
Pray for the Lord to raise up workers who will nurture disciples within Mallah communities throughout South Asia.
Pray that soon Mallah people will have joy and faith that will be contagious; giving their neighbors a desire to follow Christ.