Tamil (Hindu traditions) in Ireland

Introduction / History

Tamil is one of the major languages of South India and the 17th most spoken language in the world. Tamil is one of the oldest written languages with a history going back 3000 years. Tamil speakers are proud of their culture and literary tradition. Tamil speakers often use English or some other trade language, but most still use Tamil as their family language.

Large populations of Tamils have left southern India and Sri Lanka and come to live in over 24 nations, including Ireland.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In 2018, Tamils in Ireland established Ireland Tamil Sangam to protect the cultural, economic, and educational needs of Tamils in Ireland and India. They are also working to help Tamils in Ireland to integrate into Irish society while also teaching Tamil youth about their own culture.

The father is the head of the Tamil family. He shares leadership with his wife over the children. A woman has a higher place in the Tamil home than in most South Asian cultures. Parents encourage their sons and daughters to excel in education and obtain college degrees. Tamils in Ireland try to maintain their ethnic identity and at the same time fit in with the general population.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though there are many Muslim and Christian Tamils, the majority practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. They worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Hindus believe that by performing rituals and good works that they will attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. Tamils 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 many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs. The main yearly holidays of the Tamil people are 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.

What Are Their Needs?

The Tamils in Ireland must understand that Jesus is not only the Lord and Savior of Westerners. Jesus is the Tamils' Lord and savior too.

Prayer Points

Pray the Lord raises up a movement to Christ among Tamils in Ireland soon.
Pray the Lord moves believers and churches in Ireland to share the good news with Hindu Tamils.
Pray for Tamil speaking Christians in Ireland to be Christ's ambassadors other Hindu communities.
Pray for prominent Hindu Tamils to have the spiritual hunger it takes to seek and find Jesus.

Text Source:   Joshua Project