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 labourers in agricultural operations and some are employed in government service. Some of their deities are Durgamma, Mariyamma, Hanumantha, Yellamma and Huligamma. They accept water and cooked food from all communities except the Madar and Dhor.

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

Much prayer is needed to prepare hearts to understand and receive the Gospel message. Teams of workers relating and explaining stories from scripture can partially overcome the low literacy rate.

There are a few followers of Jesus Christ within this community, and they need our prayers. Pray they 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.

Scripture Prayers for the Chalvadi in India.