Chaliyan in India
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Chaliyan |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 6,500 |
| World Population: | 6,500 |
| Primary Language: | Tulu |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| 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
This caste also goes by Saliyar or Saliya. They have always been weavers. Their homeland straddles the four states of southern India: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Today many of them are still weavers, but there is more flexibility in 21st century India. They have ventured into other professions. Like most other caste Hindus, the Chaliyan try to inflate their caste status.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Chaliyan people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. They 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 other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins.
Almost all Hindus participate in yearly celebrations like 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 Chaliyan people need a John 10:10 blessing: The abundant life Jesus offers those who are willing to submit to his lordship.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Chaliyan culture to be renewed and enhanced by a work of the Holy Spirit and shaped into a God-centered and God-honoring mold.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among their family and community leaders to seek his face and enjoy his blessings.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers who will be compelled to nurture a disciple making movement among the Chaliyan people.
Pray that soon the Chaliyan people will have faith that will lead them to live honorable lives that will draw others to the savior.