The Valinjiyar (or Velakkithalanayan) live in Kerala and are barbers by tradition. They live mostly in the Cannanore district. They speak, read and write in Malayalam and are not vegetarians. Rice is the cereal eaten by them.

The Valinjiyar are endogamous, meaning that they prefer to marry within their group. They have cousin marriages and a bride price is paid in cash. Marriage rituals are done by them. Many relatives live together in the same home. Divorce and marrying again is allowed with council approval. On the death of the father the sons inherit the property with the oldest son becoming in charge of the home. The dead are cremated.

Many are now agricultural laborers. Hinduism is their religion. They educate their children, especially boys. Family planning is used by them.

* Scripture Prayers for the Velakkithalanayan in India.

* Pray that God will give the Valinjiyar dreams and visions leading them to Jesus Christ.
* Pray that gospel materials and the internet will lead them to salvation.

Singh, K. S., ed. "India's Communities A-Z", Oxford University Press, USA 1999