Pochury in India

Introduction / History

Pochury is one of the lesser-known Naga tribe defined by the Pochury Naga language. They live in Nagaland and Manipur states., specifically in the Meluri region of the Phek district. In the 1950s, the Pochurys formed from the amalgamation of three communities: Kupo, Kuchu, and Khuri.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They grow rice, maize, millet, and vegetables on terraced farms. Most also raise pigs, chickens, and possibly goats. They supplement their diet by hunting, fishing, and looking for wild edibles. They are known for pottery, woodwork, leatherwork, and stonework. Women from the Lüruri sub-group make pots as a spiritual and economic activity.

Each October they celebrate the Yemshe Festival with rituals, folk dancing, and feasts. February is the time for the Nazhu Festival before sowing season. It involves 10 days of cultural performances such as folk dancing and music. Oral traditions involve origin stories about their “emergence from the earth.”

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though Poumais are almost entirely Christian, they blend Christianity with traditional beliefs.

What Are Their Needs?

Being small in number, Pochurys are politically marginalized. Limited access to diverse food groups and inadequate milk consumption are dietary concerns. Because they live in an area without paved roads, they don’t have access to the needed schools and hospitals.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to guide the Poumais into new and better ways to make a living than subsistence farming.
Pray for the Pochury family leaders and elders to have the spiritual hunger needed to make Jesus their top priority, regardless of the cost.
Pray for a pure and vibrant faith in Pochury families and churches.
Pray that soon Pochurys will take up the call to bring Christ to Tibetan Buddhists.

Text Source:   Joshua Project