Introduction / History

Though the Mahrattas have a state named after them, Maharashtra, not all of them live there. Just south of Maharashtra is the state of Goa, where they speak Konkani as well as Marathi. Goa was once a Portuguese colony, and there are many Roman Catholics.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Konkani Mahratta work mainly in agriculture and in the sale of crops. Some work in business, government service or as day laborers. They have a council of elders to look after their interests. They believe in education and modern medicines.

They usually marry their cousins. Widowers and the divorced can marry again. They cremate their dead. Sons inherit the property after the father dies.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Jadhav Mahratta people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. They visit Hindu temples 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 other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins.

Almost all Hindus participate in yearly celebrations like 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?

Being what Hindus call a "forward caste," the Konkani Mahrattas have high status. This status is strong in Hindu communities. Such a situation keeps entire communities bound to a particular religious system.

Prayer Points

There are many believers from Maharashtra and Goa; pray for them to reach out to the Konkani Mahrattas.

Pray for a spiritual hunger that will drive the Konkani Mahrattas to the arms of Jesus.

Pray that believers will be filled with the fruit and the power of the Holy Spirit as they lovingly reach their Hindu neighbors.

Pray for his Kingdom to come and his will to be done among the Konkani Mahrattas.

Scripture Prayers for the Mahratta Konkani in India.