Introduction / History

Velamas are sometimes called Yelamas. We do not know anything about their origin. This Hindu people group lives in the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The occupation of this people group is agriculture. Velama Koppala people enjoy their food hot and spicy, with many vegetables, fish, eggs, chicken and flatbreads. Dinners are usually large meals.
They observe a custom in that a man marries his maternal uncle's daughter. Koppala Velama widows are permitted to remarry seven times, and an elder brother is allowed to marry the widow of his younger brother. Women wear on the right wrist a solid silver bangle, and on the left wrist two bangles with black glass bangles, which are broken when a woman becomes a widow.
The custom of sending a sword to represent an absent bridegroom at a wedding is not uncommon among Velamas.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Velama Kpoppala people are fully Hindu in their religious practice and culture. They obey and fear multitudes of gods. These gods control their lives in every respect. Audio, visual and written Bible resources exist in Telugu, their spoken language, however there are no genuine Christians among them.

What Are Their Needs?

The most important need of Velama Koppala people is to understand that their good works, sacrifices and worship of false gods will never pay the penalty for their sins, and that Almighty Creator God has made the provision for them to live eternally with him.

Prayer Points

Pray for gospel workers to catch a vision for reaching the Velama Koppala people for Jesus and that in God's sovereign timing their hearts would be open and ready to follow him.
Pray for Jesus movements to bless extended Velama Koppala families so the gospel will spread rapidly among this people group.
Pray for the spiritual lives of the Velama Koppala people to become fruitful as they follow Christ.
Pray for the lives and culture of the Velama Koppala people to evidence the rule and reign of the Kingdom of God as they open to the gospel, and for the beauty of Jesus to be seen in them.

Scripture Prayers for the Velama Koppala in India.