Kallattu Kurup in India

Introduction / History

Kallattu Kurup people are the only people who perform the art of Kalamezhuthu. It began, as legend describes as follows: An artist who was a disciple of a sage was eager to see the true vision of the goddess Thirumandhavu Bhagavathy. He observed penance for days, and finally the goddess gave her vision. He immediately drew the picture of the goddess on a stone. Thereafter, he was called Kallattu Kurup, since he has drawn picture on a stone (Kallu in Malayalam means stone).

Where Are they Located?

All of the Kallattu Kurup people live in Kerala, a state in southwestern India.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Kallattu Kurup people provide for themselves by lime burning, pearl hunting, government service, and Kalamezhuthu, an art form of drawing figures of goddesses on the floors of temples, schools, and public buildings using natural powder of various colors. This is considered an art form, also a religious ritual. Apprentices are given two-year scholarships by the Central Government.

The patriarch is the head of their families. Marriage ceremonies are held at the bride's residence.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Kallattu Kurup people 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. 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 many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs.

The main yearly holidays of the Kallattu Kurup people are 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?

Although audio, visual, and written Bible resources are available in Malayalam, their spoken language, they remain unreached and unengaged with the truth of the gospel. Their greatest need is to understand the infinite love of Almighty God for them, and his provisional payment of the penalty for their sins. They need the light of the gospel to shine in their communities so they can experience the abundant life Christ offers.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to give the Kallattu Kurup people teachable and understanding hearts.
Pray that a strong movement of the Holy Spirit will bring entire Kallattu Kurup families into a rich experience of God's blessing.
Pray for Kallattu Kurup families to be drawn by the Holy Spirit to seek forgiveness, and to understand the adequacy of Christ's work on the cross.
Pray for teams of believers to do sustained, focused prayer for the Lord to open the hearts of Kallattu Kurup family leaders to experience God's blessing through a movement of family-based discovery Bible studies.

Text Source:   Keith Carey