Introduction / History

The Dasari people speak a form of Telugu. They live in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Their traditional work is in temple service. They perform death rites in burial grounds as their main occupation. Some of them work as day laborers. They are landless. Some of the Dasari Mala work in business and agriculture. They use both modern and traditional medicines. They are not vegetarians and eat rice as a staple food.

The Dasari Mala prefer marriage between cousins. The bereaved and divorced can marry again. The dead are buried rather than cremated like most Hindus. On the death of the father, sons inherit the property with the oldest son taking charge of the family estate. They observe birth and marriage rituals.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Hinduism is their religion, but they also worship their ancestors.

What Are Their Needs?

The Dasari Mala people need to put their hope in the King of kings, realizing that he is the one who gives them worth and dignity.

Prayer Points

Pray that God gives them dreams and visions leading them to Jesus Christ.

Pray that Indian Christians and gospel materials will help them begin their own discipleship movement.

Pray for spiritual hunger and a thirst for Christ's righteousness.

Scripture Prayers for the Mala Dasari in India.

References

Singh, K. S., ed. "India's Communities A-Z", Oxford University Press, USA 1999

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mala_(caste)