The Chetti or Chettiar are part of the large business caste of Bania in India and Sri Lanka. The word Chetti means trader or merchant. The Chetti are some of the most successful businesspersons in Sri Lanka. They founded many of the leading banks of Sri Lanka They are also involved in finance, real estate, entertainment, textiles, timber and grains. The Chetti own tea and coffee plantations, which are farmed by other castes.
Chetti families encourage their sons to get MBAs and other advanced degrees. Most Chetti women do not work in business but take care of the home.
The primary language of the Chetti is Tamil. As educated Indians they also speak English, which allows them to do business throughout the world.
Most Chetti live in the south Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. Smaller groups live throughout India and in the island nation of Sri Lanka. Most Chetti live in the Western State of Sri Lanka.
Some of the most wealthy and successful people in south Sri Lanka are Bania Chetti. They own large businesses, banks and commercial enterprises. Some work for salaries in private companies and government.
The Chetti marry within their Bania caste often to families with the same level of income and property. Families arrange marriages with the consent of the young people. Sons inherit property from their fathers. Weddings are held at mansions owned by other Chetti. Brahmin priests officiate at important family occasions like births, weddings and funerals.
Outlookindia.com describes Chetti are secretive, practical, traditional land and business owners. Chettiar women rarely join family businesses but focus on the families' cultural and philanthropic initiatives. The Chetti support Hindu scholarship and temples as well as traditional Tamil art and literature.
As Hindus the Chetti do not eat beef. Sons are frequently named after their grandfathers and daughters after their grandmothers.
The Bania Chetti practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. They worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Hindus believe that by performing rituals and good works that they will attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The Chetti visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers and incense to their gods. There are many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs.
The main yearly holidays of the Chetti people are Holi, the festival of colors, Diwali, the festival of lights, Navratri, the celebration of autumn and Rama Navami, Rama's birthday.
The Bania Chetti of Sri Lanka need to hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. They need to see that money, possessions and Hinduism will not bring the peace of mind and joy that they are seeking. They come to realize that they are sinners in need of the Savior.
Pray that the Lord leads south Indian and Sri Lankan Christians to befriend the Chetti and introduce them to the Lord Jesus.
Pray that God will give them a distain for the Hindu gods and a desire for the Biblical Triune God and His Word.
Pray that God leads the Chetti to Christian literature and websites to learn about the Bible and the Lord Jesus.
Scripture Prayers for the Bania Chetti in Sri Lanka.
joshuaproject.net/people_groups/19695/IN
outlookindia.com/magazine/story/chettiar-band-avm-to-fm/282336
Profile Source: David Kugel |
Bania profile for Children and Family Missions Activities |
People Name General | Bania Chetti |
People Name in Country | Bania Chetti |
Natural Name | Chetti Bania |
Pronunciation | CHEH-tee BAHN-yah |
Alternate Names | Arayia; Arayia Vaisya; Ayira Vysyar; Baqal; Chetti; Chettiar; Komati; Sahukar; Vaisya; Vani; Vania; बनिया, चेट्टी |
Population this Country | 6,500 |
Population all Countries | 856,000 |
Total Countries | 2 |
Indigenous | Yes |
Progress Scale | 1 ● |
Unreached | Yes |
Frontier People Group | Yes |
Pioneer Workers Needed | 1 |
People ID | 19695 |
ROP3 Code | 115147 |
Country | Sri Lanka | |||||||||
Region | Asia, South | |||||||||
Continent | Asia | |||||||||
10/40 Window | Yes | |||||||||
National Bible Society | Website | |||||||||
Persecution Rank | Not ranked | |||||||||
Total States on file | 8 | |||||||||
Largest States |
|
Country | Sri Lanka |
Region | Asia, South |
Continent | Asia |
10/40 Window | Yes |
National Bible Society | Website |
Persecution Rank | Not ranked |
Total States | 8 |
Western 5,700 | |
North Western 300 | |
Central 200 | |
Sabaragamuwa 70 | |
Uva 60 | |
Eastern 30 | |
Southern 20 | |
North Central 10 | |
Website | South Asia Peoples |
Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
Major Religion ▲ | Percent * |
---|---|
Buddhism |
0.00 %
|
Christianity (Evangelical 0.00 %) |
0.00 %
|
Ethnic Religions |
0.00 %
|
Hinduism |
100.00 %
|
Islam |
0.00 %
|
Non-Religious |
0.00 %
|
Other / Small |
0.00 %
|
Unknown |
0.00 %
|
* From latest Sri Lanka census data. Current Christian values may substantially differ. |
Primary Language | Tamil | |||
Language Code | tam Ethnologue Listing | |||
Language Written | Yes ScriptSource Listing | |||
Total Languages | 2 | |||
Secondary Languages |
|
Primary Language | Tamil |
Language Code | tam Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 2 |
Secondary Languages | |
Telugu | |
People Groups | Speaking Tamil |
Primary Language: Tamil
Bible Translation ▲ | Status (Years) |
---|---|
Bible-Portions | Yes (1714-1956) |
Bible-New Testament | Yes (1715-1998) |
Bible-Complete | Yes (1727-2021) |
Bible-NT Audio | Online |
Possible Print Bibles | |
---|---|
Amazon | |
World Bibles | |
Forum Bible Agencies | |
National Bible Societies | |
World Bible Finder | |
Virtual Storehouse |
Photo Source |
(Representative photo) Copyrighted © 2023 Isudas All rights reserved. Used with permission |
Map Source | People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project |
Profile Source | David Kugel |
Data Sources | Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more. |