The Pichakuntla are also known as the Helava people. The word helava means lame man. In Karnataka, the Pichakuntla speak, read and write in Kannada. In Maharashtra the Pichakuntla are similar to those in Karnataka. As well as Kannada they can speak in Telugu and read and write in Devanagari.
Some of the Pichakuntla work as as agricultural laborers. Boys get an education. They are not vegetarians since they eat pork. The Pichakuntla allow for cousin marriages. Family leaders arrange for marriages. The divorced and bereaved can marry again. The dead are either buried or cremated.
The Pichakuntla 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.
The Pichakuntla people need the abundant life that only Jesus offers.
Pray that Indian believers lead them to a Christ-ward movement. Pray that gospel materials and the internet will lead them into a disciple making movement. Pray for faithful, loving workers.
Scripture Prayers for the Pichakuntla in India.
| Profile Source: Keith Carey |
