Kaikalas
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| (Unknown) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions of Andhra Pradesh | |
| Languages | |
| Telugu | |
| Religion | |
|
Divisions based on Sampradaya | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Padmashali |
Kaikalas (Telugu: కైకాల) are a subcaste of the Telugu-speaking Padmashali weavers caste.[1] Kaikalas live in the Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions of the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. They are classified as an Other Backward Class (OBC) under the Padmashali caste by the Government of India.[1][2] They are also known as Karikala Bhaktulu, Kykala
Like all Padmashali subcastes, the community is divided into sects based on Sampradaya- the Shaivas and the Vaishnavas. While the Shaivas give preference to worshipping Lord Shiva, the Vaishnavas give preference to worshipping Lord Vishnu. They are also predominantly non-vegetarians, but otherwise like other Padmashali subcastes they follow Brahminical customs and wear the sacred thread.
The Kaikalas form a very important part of the Thathayagunta Gangamma Jatara, the annual folk festival held at Tirupati.[3] The Dora vesham would be donned on the fifth day exclusively by the Kaikala community members, who are revered as representatives of the Goddess Gangamma on the particular day.[3]