Introduction / History

The Kavara are a scheduled caste. They live in Tamil Nadu and Kerala and speak a form of Tula as well as Tamil.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They work in of all kinds of wicker and make baskets. Many are unemployed with this craft, so they are given benefits to compensate. Some work in agriculture and the women work the farms as well. They are landless. The Kavara are endogamous, meaning that they prefer to marry within the community. They often marry their cousins. Boys are better educated than girls, but the literacy level is low, so the gospel will need to be given in oral form.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Kavara 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.

What Are Their Needs?

They need to accept the blessings of Jesus Christ, the one who came to offer abundant life to all who call on His name.

Prayer Points

Pray that gospel recordings and the JESUS Film will be easily available to all. Pray for Indian believers to go to them and help them thrive economically and spiritually. Pray for a disciple making movement this decade.

Scripture Prayers for the Kavara in India.