Introduction / History

The Kela are a scheduled caste in Odisha. They speak in Oriya.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Kela Nalua can make their living in a variety of ways. Some trap birds and sell them. The women often sell cosmetics. Some practice snake charming while others work for the government. The less fortunate are day laborers. Some of them take part in self-employment schemes. They are educated to a degree but their semi-nomadic lifestyle restricts them, so the gospel will need to be presented to them in oral forms.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Kela Nalua 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.

What Are Their Needs?

The Kela people need opportunities to earn a good living in a settled environment where their children can be educated.

Prayer Points

Pray that God gives them dreams and visions leading them to Jesus Christ. Pray that Indian believers will help them begin a disciple making movement. Pray that gospel recordings and the JESUS Film will become easily accessed by the Kela people.

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