Introduction / History

The word Vedan means a hunter in Malayam. The Malai Vedan speak Malayam and Tamil. They live in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Agriculture is their main work. Most of them have tattoos. They are not vegetarians. They eat rice as a cereal. They avoid milk or milk products.

Vedan Malai marriages are monogamous, meaning between one husband and one wife. They allow for divorce. The dead are cremated.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Vedan Malai 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.

What Are Their Needs?

The Vedan Malai people need a John 10:10 blessing: The abundant life Jesus offers those who are willing to submit to his lordship.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Vedan Malai culture to be renewed and enhanced by a work of the Holy Spirit and shaped into a God-centered and God-honoring mold.

Pray that God gives the Malai Vedan dreams and visions leading them to Jesus Christ.

Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among their family and community leaders to seek his face and enjoy his blessings.

Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers who will be compelled to nurture a disciple making movement among the Vedan Malai people.

Pray that soon the Vedan Malai people will have faith that will lead them to live honorable lives that will draw others to the savior.

Scripture Prayers for the Malai Vedan in India.

References

http://tribesindia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=348%3Atamil-nadu-malai-vedan&catid=44%3Atribes-national-level&lang=en

http://keralawindow.net/tribals.html#ved