Rengma in India

Rengma
Photo Source:  Copyrighted © 2025
Matthias Kestel - Shutterstock  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Rengma
Country: India
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 72,000
World Population: 72,000
Primary Language: Naga, Southern Rengma
Primary Religion: Christianity
Christian Adherents: 98.85 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Ministry Resources: Yes
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: South Asia Tribal - Naga
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Rengma tribe, also known as Rengma Nagas, is an indigenous Tibeto-Burman ethnic group primarily residing in Nagaland and Assam, northeastern India.

At one time, they were slash-and-burn farmers, but now they work on settled farms.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Rengma society is clan-based and patrilineal, with strong village governance and communal decision-making. Families are close-knit, and elders play a vital role in preserving oral traditions and cultural values. Recreation includes folk dances, music, and the Ngada Festival, a post-harvest celebration marked by feasting, dancing, and thanksgiving.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Traditionally animistic, the Rengmas are now Christian, primarily Baptist. Churches are central to community life, serving not only as places of worship but also as hubs for education and social services. Despite widespread conversion, they still practice some traditional rituals, sometimes blending them with Christian practices.

What Are Their Needs?

Even in Nagaland, Rengmas feel politically marginalized. Like most rural people in India, roads are not sufficient for them to have access to emergency medical care or higher education, unless they move to urban centers.

Prayer Points

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 Rengma people.
Pray for Christians to have love, joy, peace, and patience as they tell others about the King of kings.
Pray for a powerful Holy Spirit revival to permeate Rengma families and churches, drawing them into greater love for God and for their neighbors.

Text Source:   Joshua Project