Introduction / History

The Gonhri people are also known as Mallah or Nishad. They are a caste associated with boating. They believe themselves to be descendants of the legendary figure, Nishad, who ferried King Rama and his wife, Sita, across the Ganges River. That tradition has been passed down through the centuries. They take pride in their caste and consider their occupation as boatmen carrying Hindu devotees as a high calling or holy occupation. Others consider them to be a "backward" (meaning low prestige) caste.

Where Are they Located?

The Gonhri people live in Nepal, Bangladesh, and especially India. In India, they are most likely to be found in the northern states, especially Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They are poor and mostly illiterate. They are involved in boating, some fishing and sometimes in farming. They are strict about marrying within their own caste. The women are not often seen in public.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The primary religion practiced by the Gonrhi is Hinduism, the predominant religious tradition of Nepal. There are many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs.

What Are Their Needs?

They can have high status as princes and princesses if they would only accept it. The Gonhri people need to accept the dignity of being His children rather than settling for traditional beliefs.

Prayer Points

Pray for a "Book of Acts" type of movement to Christ among the Gonhri people in Nepal and India.
Pray for the Gonhri people to understand and embrace that Jesus wants to bless their families and neighborhoods.
Pray for Holy Spirit anointed believers from the Gonhri people to change their society from within.
Pray for a movement in which the Holy Spirit leads and empowers Gonhri disciples to make more disciples.
Pray for a movement of Jesus to heal and strengthen Gonhri communities.

Scripture Prayers for the Gonrhi in Nepal.

References

http://indpaedia.com/ind/index.php/Gonrhi