Introduction / History
The Mahant are Hindus by religion. Their name means one who owns a temple and has renounced the world. They speak local dialects of Pahari and Hindi and read and write in Devanagari. They are vegetarians.

The Mahant are monogamous and marriage is by discussion. There is little divorce among them. On the death of the father, sons inherit the property. The women have a respectable place among them. They make their living from the temples. Their children however prefer other work such as for the government or private work.

The Mahant believe in education and use family planning. They have a Panchayat council to look after them.

Prayer Points
Pray that God gives them dreams and visions leading them to Jesus Christ.
Pray that their leaders come to Jesus Christ and lead others to Him.

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