Introduction / History

The Thandan people are an ethnic group who are living in southern India. Kerala authorities classify them as a scheduled caste which gives them low to middle status in this Hindu culture. Other sources call the "Other Backward Castes" which gives them similar status. They are from Kerala. Many of the Thandan live in the Travancore region. Climbing trees to gather coconuts is their traditional work. Most of the Thandan were tenants in past times and used to be laborers to the landed gentry.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They do not own land which limits their ability to earn a living. Some of the women work as day laborers in agriculture. They love folk dancing.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They are Hindus who sing praises to Lord Ayyappa of Sabarimala.

What Are Their Needs?

The Thandan people need the opportunity to make a better living. Part of this will involve land ownership as well as the opportunity to obtain higher education.

Prayer Points

Pray for a spiritual openness that will lead them to Jesus. Pray that the day will come when the Thandan praise Jesus Christ as their only Lord and Savior. Pray that God will give them dreams and visions leading them to begin their own Christ-ward movement.

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