Padannan in India

Introduction / History

The Padannan migrated from Tamil Nadu many years ago. They speak Tamil and Malayalam and they read and write in Malayalam. The Padannan are one of four sub-groups of the greater Kanakkan groups. They are a scheduled caste living in Kerala, in South India.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Padannan work in boating, fishing, agriculture, and other work. They are not vegetarians who eat rice as a staple food.
The Padannan prefer marriages between cousins. On the death of the father, sons usually inherit the property. The women help with economic matters. They educate their children to college level. They use modern and traditional medicines.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Padannan 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.

What Are Their Needs?

These people need to realize that they cannot please God without being empowered by the Holy Spirit. They cannot have the Holy Spirit without Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to bless the Padannan community economically and spiritually so they can see the power of God at work.
Pray that Indian Christians will lead them into a Christ-centered disciple making movement.
Pray for spiritual hunger and discernment that will lead them to the cross and the empty grave.

Text Source:   Joshua Project