Introduction / History

The Mochi caste is considered by some to be a branch of the Chamar caste, but the Mochi have repudiated that, considering themselves to be a separate caste of higher status than the Chamar. Chamar people process the hides, while the Mochi make leather products out of this raw product. In the past, some of the Mochi were involved with removing carrion and selling the bones and hides. The Mochi are subdivided into subgroups and clans, and there is a social ranking system between the subgroups.

The Mochi people live primarily in India and Bangladesh, but there are smaller communities in Nepal and Pakistan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Along with making leather products, the Mochi make bricks and baskets. At a certain time of year, everyone in Mochi families make bricks. Only the men make baskets, however. They have regular contact with other communities through economic activities like selling their baskets and working as laborers on other peoples' farms.

The Mochi people have some bad health habits like eating pork, smoking, chewing betel leaf, and in the men's case, drinking alcohol.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Mochi 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?

These people need to realize that they cannot please God without being empowered by the Holy Spirit. They cannot have the Holy Spirit without Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray that Hindi language gospel materials like the JESUS Film will become readily available for the Mochi people.

Pray that they will come in contact with people who love Jesus and want to share His ways with them.

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