Introduction / History

The Kalladi are a scheduled caste who live in Kerala. They speak Malayalam. The Kalladi also live in small numbers in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Kalladi weave mats which is their traditional work. They also do animal husbandry. Women help in agriculture and other things Boys and girls are educated. They are not vegetarians and love pork. They eat rice as a staple food.

The Kalladi have many clans. They allow for cousin marriages. Boys and girls both get an education.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Kalladi 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?

Like all other peoples of the world, this people group needs the blessings and guidance that only Jesus Christ can offer.

Prayer Points

Pray that God gives them dreams and visions leading them to Jesus Christ.

Pray that gospel materials lead them to understand Christ's work on the cross and his resurrection victory.

Pray for spiritual openness.

Scripture Prayers for the Kalladi in India.

References

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