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.

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.

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.

They have needs for better education and medical care.

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.

Scripture Prayers for the Mallah Kewat (Hindu traditions) in India.