Introduction / History

A unique feature of the Meitei is that their community is made of one language, but two religions. A majority of them are Hindus and have Mongoloid features, while a minority of them are Muslims and have Bengali features. In spite of this, there is good harmony between them, and they are proud of the common heritage of their mother tongue. Though there are Meitei people in neighboring Myanmar and Bangladesh, those in India have their own state: Manipur. Meitei is the official state language. Others live in Assam, another state in northeastern India.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Meiteis still earn a living by farming, though the younger generation would like to use their education to enter more modern fields. The Meitei are very resistant to change, particularly in the area of religion. Outsiders trying to spread the gospel are not well received, and individuals may resist the gospel for fear that they will lose their place in the Meitei society if they become Christians.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Bishnupriya Meitei people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. They visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. There are other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins.

Almost all Hindus participate in yearly celebrations like Holi, the festival of colors and the start of spring / Diwali, the festival of lights / Navratri, the celebration of autumn / and Rama Navami, Rama's birthday.

What Are Their Needs?

The Meitei people need the chance to allow Jesus Christ to bless them far above what they can ever imagine. There is no savior except for Jesus Christ, the King of kings.

Prayer Points

Pray that Bishnupriya Meitei council leaders will come to Jesus Christ and lead their community into a Christ-ward direction.

Pray that gospel materials and the internet will become easily available to them.

Pray for intercessors and loving workers.

Pray for a spiritual hunger that will lead the Bishnupriya Meitei to the cross.

Scripture Prayers for the Meitei Bishnupriya in India.