Introduction / History

The Pagadai are a scheduled caste living in Tamil Nadu. They speak Telugu and Tamil and read and write in Tamil.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Pagadai work as sweepers in the towns and as agricultural laborers in the rural regions. They have a low literacy level, so the gospel will need to be given in oral form in addition to written form. They use indigenous and traditional medicines.
The Pagadai prefer cross-cousin marriages. They are endogamous, which means they prefer marriages within their community. Women help with financial matters.
They are not vegetarian. They eat beef and pork. Rice is their staple food.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Pagadai 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 Pagadai people to understand and embrace that Jesus wants to bless their families and neighborhoods.
Pray for a movement of the Holy Spirit to heal and strengthen Pagadai communities.
Pray for Holy Spirit anointed believers from the Pagadai people to change their society from within.
Pray for a movement in which the Lord leads and empowers disciples to make more disciples.
Resources
Singh, K. S., ed. "India's Communities A-Z", Oxford University Press, USA 1999

Scripture Prayers for the Pagadai in India.