Malayarayar in India
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Malayarayar |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 3,000 |
| World Population: | 3,000 |
| Primary Language: | Malayalam |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 18.40 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Tribal - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Malayarayar tribe, also known as Malai Arayan or Mala Arayan, is an indigenous community living in the hilly regions of Idukki, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta districts in Kerala, India. They speak Malayalam, the language of Kerala.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Though they were once subsistence farmers, most Malayarayars now work in government offices and educational facilities. They are one of the most socio-economically advanced Scheduled Tribes in India.
The Malayarayar celebrate a variety of festivals, often tied to nature and agriculture:
During festivals such as Vanjippattu, they sing the boat songs of their ancestors. Other festivals involve singing, dancing, and storytelling. Seasonal rituals are tied to spirits and gods, who are appeased in hopes of a good harvest and protection.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Over three-fourths are Hindu, but there is also a Christian minority.
What Are Their Needs?
With a small population and their language being replaced by Malayalam, the Malayarayars know their culture is being eroded.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Lord to give them a sense of identity based on Christ rather than their ethnicity.
Pray for the Lord’s goodness to follow them all the days of their lives.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring revival to Malayarayar families and communities.