Introduction / History

Goa is a beautiful land known as the "paradise of the east." Velip people are considered aborigines of Goa, having lived in this area since their beginnings. Goa was once a Portuguese colony. They live in forested and mining zones, resulting in conflict between land, resources, and ownership. They have suffered domination under several invading rulers that infiltrated their culture through the years.

Where Are they Located?

The Hindu Velip people live in Goa on the west coast of India.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Velip people are mainly agricultural in their occupation and way of life. They eat primarily fish, rice, wheat, vegetables, and fruits in season. They cook with coconut and ground nut oil. Most families raise cows. Some Velip people work in nearby towns as wage earners in construction, electrician work, and as painters.

Velip people live in clans. Clan members may marry with any other clan than their own. Marrying age is 18 years for women, and 21 for men by law. Divorce is rare, and matters are settled by elder members of the clan with a goal of compromise. A widowed man may remarry, but a widowed woman may not.

They rely on tribal medicines for basic illnesses. Various parts of medicinal plants are gathered from forests, dried and powdered. Often such medicines are sold in local markets.

What Are Their Beliefs?

This unreached people group is primarily devout Hindu. Their clans are named after gods whom they worship and venerate in their homes. Velip men serve as priests in their temples for three months in succession. During this time, they live in the temple.

What Are Their Needs?

Although written, audio, and visual Bible resources are available in Konkani, the language of the Goa and the Velip people, they have not yet heard of the one true Almighty God who loves them and paid the full penalty for their sins. They continue to fear and worship gods that cannot take care of their needs.

Prayer Points

Pray for a "Book of Acts" type of movement to Christ among the Velip people.
Pray for the Velip people to understand and embrace that Jesus wants to bless their families and neighborhoods.
Pray for Holy Spirit anointed believers from the Velip people to change their society from within.
Pray for a movement in which the Holy Spirit leads and empowers Velip disciples to make more disciples.
Pray for a movement of Jesus to heal and strengthen Velip communities.

Scripture Prayers for the Velip in India.

References

http://www.chowgules.ac.in/chowgule/Documents/journals/Minor/Anagha/anagha.pdf