The traditional occupations of this scheduled caste were carrying carcasses and working as village servants. They used to remind the Lingayat Bania about the full moon and new moon days of the month, so that the latter could perform the necessary rites to Lord Shiva.

More recently, they are engaged as wage laborers in agricultural operations, and some are employed in government service.

Some of their deities are Durgamma, Mariyamma, Hanumantha, Yellamma and Huligamma.

The Chalvadi know very little about Jesus and perceive Christianity as foreign to their identity as a community.

There is great need for prayer for them to understand and receive the gospel message. Teams of workers relating and explaining stories from scripture can partially overcome the low literacy rate.

Pray the few Christian believers will consistently clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, and will represent Christ well.

Pray this low caste community will be able to increasingly educate their children, find improved employment situations, and see their standard of living rise in years ahead.

Pray for the Lord to give them an abundant harvest this year as a testimony of his power and mercy.

Scripture Prayers for the Chalvadi in India.