Mang Garudi in India

Introduction / History

The word mang means beggars. The Mang Garudi people are a scheduled caste (meaning they have low status) and they were once nomads. They have held such diverse professions as making ropes, brooms, being musicians, working with leather, delivering babies, hanging people and being an undertaker. They live in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka. They speak Marathi.

What Are Their Lives Like?

There are snake charmers, beggars, jugglers, and acrobats among them today. Most of them are now day laborers. The Mang Garudi have a low literacy level, so the gospel will need to be presented in oral form. They are endogamous. Marriages are arranged by the family leaders. The Mang Garudi often marry their cousins. They have a community-leading council that holds much power regarding how to settle disputes. This council now has an official office.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Hinduism is their religion, but they still eat beef. Spiritual beliefs of Hindus are very diverse from those who worship only one god to those who worship hundreds of them to those who are philosophical and do not worship any.

What Are Their Needs?

The Mang Garudi people need to embrace the only one who provides life to the full.

Prayer Points

Pray for spiritual hunger that will lead them to a movement to Christ. Pray for Indian intercessors and loving workers. Pray for them to experience the spiritual and social blessings of the one who came to give "life to the full."

Text Source:   Keith Carey