The Kadar were originally hunters and gatherers of forest produce. They live in the Palakkad and Thrissur districts of Kerala and the adjoining forests of Tamil Nadu. This is an area with dense forest, deep inside Parambikkulam Wild Life Sanctuary.
Now, in addition to their traditional occupations, they have become settled cultivators, agricultural laborers, basket makers, and mat weavers. Sadly, the Kadar are not on a par with the other communities in the region as they have to face a number of issues, such as a lack of proper road connections and few educational opportunities. The Kadar have very little opportunity to interact with outsiders because, as a measure to protect the wildlife, outsiders are strictly prohibited from entering or living in the forest.
The Kadan people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. 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 other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins.
Almost all Hindus participate in yearly celebrations like 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.
The Kadan people need the opportunities to learn skills that will help them adapt to modern India.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to bless every Kadan family economically and spiritually.
Let us look to the Lord of the harvest to send his servants to minister to this needy community.
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will lead the Kadan people to the King of kings.
Scripture Prayers for the Kadan in India.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
