Introduction / History

The Matangi people are one of the scheduled tribes living in Odisha and Telangana. Most live in the Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri and Koraput districts. They speak a Dravidian language known as Matya or Matia, but most also speak Telugu.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Matangi are mainly farmers. They also gather food from the forests.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Matangi 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?

They need better healthcare facilities and schools. Some of them have been displaced from their homeland.

These people need to put their hope and identity in the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Prayer Points

Pray for workers to go to the Matangi people, and for their hearts to be ready to receive their savior.
Pray for families of believers loving and serving others to grow reproducing churches.
Pray for a chain reaction of families reaching families that results in thousands of new believers who share their faith with others.
Pray for grace and truth expanding into their entire society as all believers learn to love others.

Scripture Prayers for the Matangi in India.