Velama Palnati 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: | Velama Palnati |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 18,000 |
| World Population: | 18,000 |
| Primary Language: | Telugu |
| 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 Hindu - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Palnati are a subgroup of the Velama caste. The first record of them dates back to the 17th century. At one time local kings gave them power in some parts of what is now Telangana. These same kings gave different ranks to the various Velama castes which caused rivalries and resentment between the various Velama groups. The Palnatis were not among the top tiered Velama groups.
Where Are they Located?
The Palnati Velama people live in Odisha, a state in eastern India. The greater Velama peoples are mainly in Andhra Pradesh.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Many of them own enough land to live in luxury. Like many people groups who look to the past for their identity, the Palnati Velama people are aware of their past, but not focused on the future.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Palnati Velama people 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. 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 many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs.
The main yearly holidays of the Palnati Velama 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 Palnati Velama people need to put their identity in the King of kings rather than in their past military exploits. Christ determines the future.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Holy Spirit to give the Palnati Velama people teachable and understanding hearts.
Pray that a strong movement of the Holy Spirit will bring entire Palnati Velama families into a rich experience of God's blessing.
Pray for Palnati Velama families to be drawn by the Holy Spirit to seek forgiveness, and to understand the adequacy of Christ's work on the cross.
Pray for teams of believers to do sustained, focused prayer for the Lord to open the hearts of Palnati Velama family leaders to experience God's blessing through a movement of family-based discovery Bible studies.