Background: Suicide is one of the major public health problems in low and middle income countries. However, information about causes and risk factors are insufficient. Objectives of the study were to find out prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt among young and adult population in rural Pondicherry and to analyse the risk factors qualitatively.Methods: Community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 18-44 years’ population in rural Pondicherry during January to June 2012. Total 200 subjects were interviewed by house to house visit. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, concurrent illness, family and personal history were obtained. Factors contributing to suicidal ideation and attempt were collected through FGDs, free listing and pile sorting exercise. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 17.0. Qualitative data analyzed using Anthropac 4.98.1/X software.Results: 8% subjects had ever attempted and 7.5% had ideas of suicide. Suicidal ideation/ attempt were more among males and 36-45 years group. Physical disability, infertility/sterility and chronic illness were significantly associated with suicidal ideation or attempt. Family dispute, history of beaten by spouse and family history of suicide/attempt was significantly associated with ideation. Alcoholism, failed relationship, physical abuses were strongly associated with ideas of suicide or attempt. Risk factors for males include failed relationships, more than one wife, family dispute, alcoholism etc. Risk factors for females include failed relationship, poor performance in exam, quarrel with friends, unemployment, alcoholic husband, pressure for dowry, extramarital relationship by husband etc.Conclusions: Suicidal attempt and ideation rates were high in study area and demand population based mental health interventions to reduce population suicide rates.