The Aruva are a caste of landowning farmers and the urban elite. They worked as administrators and tax collectors for various Hindu dynasties and the British colonial government.

The Aruva speak Odia as their primary language. They also speak Hindi so they can communicate with other north Indians. College educated Aruva speak English. Many Christian resources are available in Odia including a whole Bible and the JESUS Film.

The Aruva people live in Odisha, a state in eastern India near the Bay of Bengal. They have lived in Odisha for hundreds of years.

The life of the Aruva depends upon whether they live in the cities or rural areas. Urban Aruva hold high positions in Indian society as professionals and as businesspersons. Rural Aruva live on their lands in houses with modern amenities. Wealthy Aruva have lower castes work their land. They encourage their children to pursue college education.

The Aruva marry both within and outside their group. Some Aruva marry their cousins. Sons inherit property. Families arrange marriages.

Unlike most Hindus who cremate their dead, the Aruva bury theirs. The dead body is placed in a sack and then lowered into the ground. The Aruva are involved with both local and national politics. A caste council promotes their interests.

The Aruva people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. They pay special devotion to Vishnu, the preserver god. The Aruva 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 have their own Brahmins perform their Hindu rituals and family ceremonies. Other Brahmins do not accept the Aruva priests as being their equal.

The main yearly holidays of the Hindu Aruva 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.

Wealthier Hindu groups like the Aruva need to be humbled. They take great pride in being Hindus and view a person becoming a Christian as an affront to their family and culture. The Aruva need to hear and understand the message of Jesus Christ. He alone can forgive their sins and make them right with the one, true God.

* Scripture Prayers for the Aruva in India.

* Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among Aruva 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 Aruva people.
* Pray that soon the Aruva people will have faith that is more precious and durable than gold.

https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Castes_and_Tribes_of_Southern_India/Aruva
https://www.peoplegroups.org/Explore/groupdetails.aspx?peid=41806