Introduction / History
The word helava means lame man. In Karnataka, the Helava speak, read and write in Kannada. They are mostly vegetarians and eat rice as a cereal.

The Helava allow cousin marriages. Marriage is negotiated. They are monogamous and have birth and marriage rituals. The divorced and bereaved can marry again. The dead are buried or cremated. Hinduism is their religion.

Some of the Helava work as as labourers in agriculture. Boys are educated. They use modern and traditional medicines but do not tend to like using family planning.

In Maharashtra the Helava are similar to those in Karnataka. They do use family planning though. As well as Kannada they can speak in Telugu and read and write in Devanagari. They are not vegetarians as they eat pork. Wheat is eaten by them.

Prayer Points
* Pray that Indian Christians lead them to Jesus Christ.
* Pray that gospel materials and the internet will lead them to salvation.