The Mangela Kolis mostly work as fishermen for their livelihood.[4]
History
In the year of 1922, the Mangela Kolis were hit by an epidemic of smallpox. They believed this epidemic to have been caused by a goddess who had therefore to be propitiated. Ceremonies were held at which Mangela Koli women became possessed by the deity.[5] Through these mediums she made it known to the community that she would be satisfied only if they gave up meat, fish, liquor and toddy.[6] The propitiation ceremony of the Mangela Kolis and Vaitty Kolis conformed to this pattern. As their spirit-mediums were normally female, women were possessed by the goddess and made her wishes known. One of these wishes was that they abstain from alcoholic drinks and meat.[7]The Koli women who were possessed by goddess known as Salahbai or advising sister because she gave the advice of goddess.[clarify][5]
The Mangela Kolis of Gujarat and Maharashtra started Devi movement to rid themselves of bad habits such as the consumption of meat (nonvegetarianism) and liquor.[8]
Clans
Here are some of the prominent clans of Mangela Kolis,[9]
