Introduction / History

The Tagin are one of the major tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, located primarily in the Upper Subansiri district, with smaller populations in neighboring areas. They are part of the Tani tribes, a group of ethnolinguistically related communities believed to be descendants of the mythical ancestor Abotani.

Historically, Tagins lived in isolated hill villages and practiced a form of animism centered on nature worship.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Tagins live in remote, mountainous regions and rely heavily on subsistence agriculture, hunting, and forest resources. Their homes are typically built from bamboo and wood, and their villages are organized around clan-based social structures. The community is known for its hospitality, oral traditions, and ritual festivals.

Every January, they celebrate the Si-Donyi Festival, invoking blessings from the sun and earth deities for peace and prosperity. The festival includes animal sacrifices, chants by village priests (Nyibu), and communal feasting.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Tagins traditionally followed Donyi-Polo, a nature-based religion involving rituals, spirit appeasement, and shamanic mediation. The Nyibu (shaman-priest) plays a central role in spiritual life, conducting ceremonies to maintain harmony between the physical and spiritual realms. Almost three-fourths identify as Christian, but significant numbers still practice Donyi-Polo or blend traditional beliefs with Christian practices.

What Are Their Needs?

The Tagins need spiritual renewal and biblical teaching in their Tagin language. There are many gospel materials and a New Testament, but the Old Testament uniquely speaks to tribal peoples.

Prayer Items

Pray for the Tagin believers to grow in faith and biblical understanding.
Pray for the translation and distribution of the Old Testament in the Tagin language.
Pray for Tagin Christians to be discipled and sent out to disciple others.
Pray for their shamans and traditional leaders to encounter Christ.
Pray for holistic development in Tagin communities.

Scripture Prayers for the Tagin in India.

References

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