Vettuvan in India

Vettuvan
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Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Vettuvan
Country: India
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 132,000
World Population: 132,000
Primary Language: Malayalam
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 Dalit - other
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Vettuvan means one who cuts. By tradition, they harvested coconuts for a living. They are an Other Backward Caste, so they have low to average status in Hindu society.

The Vettuvan are from Kerala in southwestern India. They speak, read and write in Malayalam, the language of Kerala.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Though they were traditionally farmers, only a certain number are still in that profession. The Vettuvans hold various occupations today. Today they might be government workers, scientists, teachers, professors, marine engineers, and bank officers. Most have a good education, but they struggle with unemployment.

They prefer cross-cousin marriages. Instead of depending on Brahmin priests, the Vettuvans perform their own marriage and death rituals.

What Are Their Beliefs?

These people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. They are especially fond of certain Hindu gods: Durga, Sree Krishna, Shiva, Muruga, Hanuman, and Ganapati.

What Are Their Needs?

The Vettuvan people need the chance to be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray that Indian believers will lead the Vettuvan into a powerful movement to Christ.
Pray that gospel materials will lead them to salvation.
Pray for intercessors and workers.

Text Source:   Joshua Project