Introduction / History

Miniyongs live in Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India. They are a subgroup of the Adi, and they speak Adi.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Miniyongs are mainly agricultural. They grow rice, millet, and corn. Recently, they have switched to wet rice cultivation. Fishing and hunting have always been ways for them to find a supply of protein-rich foods. They supplement their income by making and selling various handicrafts made from bamboo.

The more fortunate ones work in education and government positions, but these require higher education, which isn’t always available.

Unlike most traditional peoples, the Miniyongs allow the youngest rather than the oldest son to inherit the family farm. Older sons presumably move to urban areas to find work. Though they have nuclear families, the Miniyongs have strong extended kinship ties.

Their festivals usually revolve around the agricultural cycle, and each one involves rituals, feasting, dancing, music, and storytelling. Everyone drinks rice beer, even the children.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Traditional Miniyong religion revolved around a nature-based belief system involving the sun and moon as divine entities. They made ritual offerings to the spirits and their ancestors. There were funeral rites to guide the departed soul to the afterlife. Evil spirits caused unnatural deaths. More recently, they have become Christian, especially the younger generation. However, their Christianity is marginal.

What Are Their Needs?

As more Miniyongs move to the cities, they now have access to better medical care, education, and better jobs. The downside is that they are losing their culture, which means losing a part of themselves.

Prayer Items

Pray for a complete harvest among the Miniyongs for Christ.
Pray for hundreds to be raised up with a defiant faith in Christ, one that will not be shaken, no matter what comes their way.
Pray for God to bring about his purpose for the Miniyong people.
Pray for Christians to have love, joy, peace, and patience as they tell others about the King of kings.
Pray for a mighty Holy Spirit revival to permeate their families and churches, drawing them into greater love for God and for their neighbors.

Scripture Prayers for the Miniyong in India.

References

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