Introduction / History

Mal is a shortened form of a Sanskrit phrase that can mean wrestler. The Mals live mainly in the Indian states of Bihar, West Bengal and Jharkhand. They speak Hindi, Bengali, or another language, depending on their location.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most of them are agricultural laborers with no land of their own, although they are also known for being watchmen or gatekeepers.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Mal 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?

The Mal people live in states where there are very few followers of Christ, and they have almost no contact with anyone who has put their faith in the only savior.

Believers can sponsor cultural events that honor the Mal people with demonstrations of their wrestling abilities, etc. These events can include showings of the JESUS Film and free gospel material.

Prayer Points

There are few believers among the Mal people. Pray for growth in both numbers and spiritual maturity. Pray that the Mal, the "wrestlers," will soon have an opportunity to be confronted by the true and living God. Pray that they, like Jacob, will persevere in faith and find their true purpose as children of God.

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

Pray that the community leaders among them will come to Jesus Christ and lead the others to salvation.

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