Kalal (Hindu traditions) in India
Photo Source:
Anonymous
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Map Source:
People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Kalal (Hindu traditions) |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 2,955,000 |
| World Population: | 2,958,500 |
| Primary Language: | Telugu |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Hindu - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Kalal (AKA, Kalwar) have traditionally been involved in the production and distribution of liquor. Their name comes from the Sanskrit word for "liquor distillers." Since many Hindus look down on the use of alcohol, the Kalal began in the last century to adopt other professions like agriculture, the military, government service and law. They have low status because of their association with liquor. They have produced their own martial arts form called Adimurai.
The Kalal speak the languages of the Indian regions where they live. Their three primary languages are Telugu, Kannada and Hindi. The Kalal people live throughout much of the nation of India. Most Kalal live in the southern Indian states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Kala are endogamous, that is, they marry within their community. Adult marriages and monogamy are the general practice. Families arrange most marriages in a ceremony with a Brahmin present. Most newly married couples live with or near the husband's family.
The Kalal eat meat but not beef or pork. Their main staple is rice along with fruit, vegetables and dairy products. Alcoholism is a problem in the Kalal people.
The Kalal encourage their children to pursue higher education and become professionals.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Kalal worship Vishnu, the preserver god, in his incarnations of Rama and Krishna. The Kalal cremate their dead and the ashes are placed in a sacred river like the Ganges.
A Kalal priest leads worship, practices traditional medicine and prays to protect his people from evil spirits. The Kalal celebrate the Hindu festivals like the birthday of Rama. Holi is the spring festival of colors. Kalal worship Durga, a form of Kali, during the nine holy days of Navratri.
What Are Their Needs?
There are probably no Christ followers among the Hindu Kalal people. They need the opportunity to find the only savior, Jesus Christ.
Prayer Points
Pray the Lord sends Christian workers to share God's truth and compassion with the Kalal.
Pray the Kalal community will be blessed by the power and goodness of Jesus Christ.
Pray that the Lord produces a growing church soon in the Kalal community.
Pray for Kalal leaders to have the spiritual hunger it takes to seek and find the only savior.