The Ilavan are also known as Izhava or Ezhavas. They live primarily in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. They work primarily as farmers and toddy-tappers. This means they extract sap from palms such as coconut and palmyra to make an alcoholic beverage. They grow coconut, palm and sugar. Other Ilavan have become builders, chauffeurs, handymen, lorry drivers and taxi drivers. Some of the Ilavan have chosen careers as businessmen, teachers or lecturers. A caste association was established for the Ilavan community in 1903. It was named after Narayana Guru. He established an ashram where he proclaimed his message of “one caste, one religion, one god.”

Most Ilavan believe that all religions lead to the same path. They need to experience the uniqueness and holiness of Jesus Christ.

Pray for a spiritual hunger that will lead Ilavan elders to the cross.
Pray for loving and dedicated workers.
Pray for Ilavan disciples who will make more disciples.

Scripture Prayers for the Ilavan in India.