Introduction / History

The Mangala of India are also called Mangali. The word mangala can mean happiness in Telugu. They have been given the name Mangala as they play the flute at weddings. The Mangala read and write in Telugu. They are not vegetarians. They like rice as their main cereal.

In Andhra Pradesh, the Mangala are also called Bajantri. They believe in monogamy in marriage and prefer cross cousin marriages. Divorcees and the bereaved can marry again. They cremate their dead. They are barbers and have Panchayats that judge in local matters. The Mangala are Hindus by religion. They use modern medicines and do family planning. They believe in education for their children.

In Tamil Nadu some of the Mangala have become Christians. They are mainly barbers and are also called Bajantri. They do cross cousin marriages. They bury their dead except for the oldest ones who they cremate. The Mangala are also musicians. There are women midwives among them. They are low regards literacy though they believe in education. The gospel needs to be given in oral form as well.

In Maharashtra, the Mangala are also known as Navi. They are barbers. They are endogamous, meaning they do not marry outside the group and cross cousin marriages are favored. Their dead are buried and there are set periods for birth and death pollution.

The Mangala have festivals. Some have their own hairdressing businesses and others work for the government. Hinduism is their main religion.

Prayer Points

* Pray that the Mangala Christians will lead the others among them to Jesus Christ.
* Pray that God will give the Mangala dreams and visions leading to Salvation among them.

References

Singh, K. S., ed. "India's Communities A-Z", Oxford University Press, USA 1999