Nalavamsam in India

Introduction / History

The Nalavamsam community also goes by the name Nalavar. They were once a military community that played a role in fighting for kingdoms. They live in Odisha and speak Odiya, the local language.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Nalavamsam are primarily farmers. Others make their living through weaving or trade. They have their own forms of folk dances and music.

They are trying to get Backward Class status so they can have a certain number of government jobs reserved for them.

What Are Their Beliefs?

This community is solidly Hindu.

What Are Their Needs?

The Nalavamsam 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.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to work mightily in their communities, blessing them in every way.

Pray for the Holy Spirit to give the Nalavamsam people a love for God's Word and a desire to spread its influence.

Pray for signs and wonders among them and for great breakthroughs with a rapid multiplication of disciples and house churches.

Pray for bold workers who are driven by the love of the Holy Spirit to go to them.

Pray for an unstoppable movement to Christ among them.

Text Source:   Joshua Project