Introduction / History
Velamas, are sometimes called, Yelamas. We do not know anything about their origin.

Where are they located?
This Hindu people group lives in the states of Telegana and Andhra Pradesh.

What are their lives like?
Weather is hot and humid most of the year along the coast and drier in the interior. Monsoons occur in June and October providing rain fall for agriculture. The occupation of this people group is agriculture.

Velama Koppala people enjoy their food hot and spicy, abundant with vegetables, fish, eggs, chicken, and flatbreads. Dinners are usually large meals.

Velama Koppala people shave their heads rather than tying their hair in a knot.

Those do not shave their heads but tie the hair in a knot (koppu) on the top of the head. They observe a custom in that a man marries his maternal uncle's daughter. Brāhman priests officiate at marriages. Widows are permitted to remarry seven times, and, an elder brother is allowed to marry the widow of his younger brother. Women wear on the right wrist a solid silver bangle, and on the left wrist two bangles with black glass bangles, which are broken when a woman becomes a widow.
The custom of sending a sword to represent an absent bridegroom at a wedding is not uncommon among Velamas.

What are their beliefs?
Velama Kpoppala people are fully Hindu in their religious practice and culture. They obey and fear multitudes of gods. These gods control their lives in every respect. Audio, visual and written Bible resources exist in Telugu, their spoken language, however there are no genuine Christians among them.

What are their needs?
The most important need of Velama Koppala people is to understand that their good works, sacrifices and worship of false gods will never pay the penalty for their sins, and that Almighty Creator God has made the provision for them to live eternally with Him.

Prayer Points
Pray for gospel workers to catch a vision for reaching the Velama Koppala people for Jesus and that in God's sovereign timing their hearts would be open and ready to follow Him.
Pray for Jesus movements to bless extended Velama Koppala families so the gospel will spread rapidly among this people group.
Pray for the spiritual lives of the Velama Koppala people to become fruitful as they follow Christ.
Pray for the lives and culture of the Velama Koppala people to evidence the rule and reign of the Kingdom of God as they open to the gospel, and for the beauty of Jesus to be seen in them.

References
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Castes_and_Tribes_of_Southern_India/Velama
https://www.velamanaidumatrimony.com/koppal-koppula-velamavelamanaidu-brides
https://www.facebook.com/KOPPALAVELAMA