The Kalingi are believed to be immigrants from Chhattisgarh, and today live primarily in Odisha. They are subdivided into two subgroups, and further divided into various lineages and clans. Divorce is prohibited in their community. Many own land and are farmers, and others are employed in various ways. They traditionally accept water and cooked food only from the Karwar community. They are followers of a form of Hinduism, and worship family and clan deities. Their sacred specialists are from their own community.

Persecution of Christians is said to be more intense in Odisha than any other part of India. Hindu extremists have been active in this state.

Please pray the few Christians among the Kalinga people will learn to be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing and making melody in their hearts to the Lord in spite of circumstances. Their families and neighbors will be impacted by the goodness of Christ as this occurs.

A few Kalinga have reported themselves as Christians to the census of India. Please pray these Christians will come to a clear understanding of what it means to know Christ as savior and lord, and will be zealous to know and serve him.

Please pray the light of the Gospel will penetrate the darkness fostered by generations of devotion to false and imaginary gods.