Introduction / History

At one time the Paidi were derided as cat eaters, but today they have more respect than they did 150 years ago. (The so-called "cat-eaters" were starving prisoners from this community.) They were sometimes regarded as criminals. They were once poor farmers, weavers and village watchmen, but today they are much more than that.

Where Are they Located?

The Hindu Paidi people live in Odisha, a state in eastern India.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Paidis are farmers, but some are prosperous businessmen who buy and sell produce. Their children learn English in school, which opens up new opportunities for the next generation.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Paidi are Hindus who have a special time of praise to Rama late in the year. They have a special affinity for the festival of Sankramanam where they wear new clothes. The Paidis worship village deities to whom they sacrifice goats and sheep at local temples. When there is serious illness in a Paidi family, they often consult a sorcerer who performs a healing ritual involving rice flower and sacrificing a chicken.

What Are Their Needs?

The Paidi people need to put their hope and faith entirely in Jesus Christ instead of suffering from their devotion to local gods.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Paidi culture to be renewed and enhanced by a work of the Holy Spirit and shaped into a God-centered and God-honoring mold.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among Paidi 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 Paidi people.
Pray that soon the Paidi people will have faith that will lead them to live honorable lives that will draw others to the Savior.

Scripture Prayers for the Paidi in India.

References

https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Castes_and_Tribes_of_Southern_India/Paidi