Idayan in Sri Lanka
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Idayan |
| Country: | Sri Lanka |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 9,500 |
| World Population: | 90,500 |
| Primary Language: | Tamil |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 12.72 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Hindu - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Idayan are part of the larger Adi Dravida community. They have Scheduled Caste status in India and Sri Lanka.
Having low status, the Idayan community has had to fight to get their rights, all the while facing opposition from the higher castes.
Though they are more numerous in India, there are Idayan people in Sri Lanka. Both groups speak Tamil.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Marginalized and discriminated against, the Idayan people live in poverty. They have strong connections as a community, joined together by their own culture and traditions.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Idayan people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of South Asia. 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?
The Idayan people need the Holy Spirit to direct them into a loving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer Points
Pray for Idayan culture to be renewed and enhanced by a work of the Holy Spirit and shaped into a God-centered and God-honoring mold.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among their family and community leaders to seek his face and enjoy his blessings.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers who will be compelled to nurture a disciple making movement among the Idayan people.
Pray that soon the Idayan people will have faith that will lead them to live honorable lives that will draw others to the savior.