Moger Moyon in India

Introduction / History

The Moger are an indigenous people. Their main occupations are fishing and agricultural. For hundreds of years the Moger were hunter-gatherers but now they have settled down to live in villages near the coast of the Arabian Sea. Most of the Moger are illiterate or functionally illiterate. They are classified as a Scheduled Caste, which means they are eligible for public jobs and special consideration for university admissions. The primary language of the Moger is Kannada. Some also speak Konkani and Tulu. Many Christian resources are available in Kannada including a complete Bible and the JESUS Film.

Where Are they Located?

The Moger Moyan people live only in Karnataka, a state in southern India.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Poverty is a big problem for the Moger. If fishing is bad and crops fail, the Moger can face starvation. Many Moger children quit school early to help their families make a living. Most of the Moger villages do not have electricity, indoor plumbing and access to clean water. Besides fishing, Moger work as landless farm workers. They work on farms that grow rice, lentils, coconuts, palm trees and vegetables. As Hindus the Moger will not eat beef. Meat is often reserved for special occasions like holidays and family celebrations. The main foods of the Moger are rice and vegetables.

The Moger marry within their group. Families arrange marriages with the newly married couple living near or with the groom's parents. Sons inherit property with the eldest son becoming the head of the family upon the death of his father. A caste council settles legal disputes and promotes Moger interests.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Moger practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. They worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon and spirits, which inhabit natural objects. Hindus believe that by performing rituals and good works that they will attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The Moger visit Hindu temples and shrines and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. There are many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs.

The main yearly holidays of the Moger people are Holi, the festival of colors and the start of spring, Diwali, the festival of lights, Navratri, the celebration of autumn and Rama Navami, Rama's birthday.

What Are Their Needs?

The Moger have many spiritual and physical needs. They need help educating their children beyond the primary level. They need help in overcoming adult illiteracy, which plagues their community. They need access to modern medicine and clean water. Most of all, the Moger need to hear and understand the message of Jesus Christ. He alone can forgive their sin and get them right with the one, true God.

Prayer Points

Pray that the believers of south India will reach out and share the gospel with the Moger.
Pray that a strong movement to Jesus will bring whole Moger families and communities into a rich experience of God's blessings.
Pray for Moger families and communities to discover and embrace the free gift of life found by trusting Christ and his finished work.

Text Source:   Keith Carey