Neyyala in India

Neyyala
Photo Source:  Anonymous 
Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
People Name: Neyyala
Country: India
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 19,000
World Population: 19,000
Primary Language: Telugu
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Christian Adherents: 0.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: South Asia Hindu - other
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Traditionally this was a fishing caste, which gave them fairly low status.

Where Are they Located?

This people group lives in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, two states in eastern India.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today the Neyyala caste is involved with a number of other occupations as well as fishing. They use matrimonial sites so that they can marry others from their own caste.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Neyyala people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. They 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. Typically, a caste that is involved with fishing will make offerings to the gods they believe will give them a good catch and protect them at sea.

What Are Their Needs?

The Hindu Neyyala people need to put their faith in Jesus Christ, the only one who can bless them with abundant life and eternal salvation from sin and death.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Neyyala 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 Neyyala 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 Neyyala people.
Pray that soon the Neyyala people will have faith that will lead them to live honorable lives that will draw others to the Savior.

Text Source:   Keith Carey