Introduction / History

The traditional occupation of the Machhi is fishing, which continues to be their primary source of livelihood.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Child marriage is prevalent among the Machhi. Property is usually shared by the sons, but a widow receives a 12% share of her husband's property. Their attitude towards formal education of both boys and girls is favorable.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Machhi 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.

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?

The polytheistic worldview of the Hindu Macchi makes it difficult to accept a creator God who stands outside his creation, who created the universe at a point in time.

Prayer Points

Pray for laborers to sow God's word to persons and households of peace, which will in turn catalyze movements to Christ among the Machhi people.

Pray that new Machhi believers will live holy lives and disciple others in the faith.

Pray for the Machhi community to be able to properly support their families, having adequate incomes.

Pray they will be able to adjust to the rapidly changing conditions of the 21st century.

Scripture Prayers for the Machhi (Hindu traditions) in India.