Pandaram in India

Introduction / History

This is a cluster of Scheduled Tribes, meaning they come from a tribal background and have low status in Hindu society. Traditionally they have been hunters and gatherers.

Where Are they Located?

The Pandaram people live in the southern regions of India. A smaller number live in Odisha.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Some Pandaram people still act as hunters and gathers. Some are experts in medicinal herbs; these people use their skills to help the sick. Most of the time these herbs are found in the forests.

Though they are officially "Hindu" the Pandaram people bury their dead instead of cremating them. Another strange custom that conflicts with most other Hindus is their wedding ceremonies can be at the home of either the bride or the groom.

Other sources describe the Pandaram people as lower caste Hindu ascetic mendicants.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Pandaram people practice Hinduism, but they blend it with their traditional religion. Since Hinduism is basically a catch-all phrase for any indigenous religious system in this part of the world, there is no apparent conflict between the Pandaram people and the Hindu religious establishment.

What Are Their Needs?

The Pandaram people need the chance to enter the job market for the 21st century. This will require specific training.

Prayer Points

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

Text Source:   Keith Carey