Bhoi Mallah Mewat in India

Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
People Name: Bhoi Mallah Mewat
Country: India
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 691,000
World Population: 699,600
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 - Bhoi
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Mallah Mewat Bhoi consider their occupation as boatmen along the holy Ganges River carrying Hindu devotees as a high calling or holy occupation. For that reason, they have higher status than most people who do this kind of work.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Mallah are the traditional fishermen and boatmen of India and neighboring countries. They can also be farmers. Mallah people are usually poor and often illiterate.

They are strict about marrying within their own community. The women are not often seen in public, although at times in Hindu pilgrimage areas such as Allahabad or Varanasi, you will see children and women of this caste selling flowers and incense for river worship purposes.

What Are Their Beliefs?

All Mallah groups, including the Mewat Bhoi subgroup, identify with the Hindu religious system. They have a lot to lose by looking outside of Hinduism for spiritual answers.

What Are Their Needs?

The Mallah Mewat Bhoi need the chance to experience the abundant life that only Jesus Christ offers.

Prayer Points

Pray for Christ followers to offer them copies of the JESUS Film in Hindi. 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 be led to nurture movements to Christ within Mallah communities throughout South Asia. Pray that soon Mallah people would have a contagious joy and faith that gives their neighbors a desire to follow Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project