People
Who they are
The Ao live in the hills of Mokokchung, in Nagaland in northeastern India, and are one of the best-known Naga peoples. In 1872, an American Baptist missionary arrived in an Ao village, and the Ao became the first Naga tribe to become Christian. Faith came along with schooling, and later the Ao themselves took the gospel to other Naga peoples. Today, community life preserves clan ties, village councils, farming, the language, and loom-woven cloth.
Where they live
1
Country
247K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
India Superficially reached
|
100%
|
244.000 |
How they live
The people grow rice, corn, millet, and yams, and the community calendar follows the farming cycle. After sowing comes Moatsu, in May, with rest, visits, and shared meals. Tsungremmong, after the harvest, brings together prayers, songs, dances, and festivities. Women weave cloth on looms with patterns specific to each clan. Village councils, called Putu Menden, oversee communal tasks such as repairing houses and cleaning wells.
What they believe
Most Ao are Baptist Christians, and the church is a place of worship, teaching, and fellowship. Many are devoted believers, but not all have a living faith in Christ. Before Christianity, the Ao believed in spirits and a creator called Lichaba, and made offerings linked to the farming cycle. Many festivals continue as cultural celebrations, with changes to the rituals.
The Bible in this people's language
A people only truly understands the gospel when they hear it in the language of their heart. See how far the translation has come.
Ao Naga
Complete Bible
- Translation started Done
- Portions Done
- New Testament Done
- Whole Bible Current stage
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)99.1%
Needs
In the villages, access to health care, roads, and job opportunities remains difficult. Young people seeking work in cities leave elderly relatives without support, and the knowledge of the people is passed down less often. Churches need to support families, train leaders, and deepen Bible teaching across the generations.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for access to health care and better job opportunities in rural Ao communities.
Pray for care for elderly people whose younger relatives have left the villages in search of work.
Pray for children, young people, and adults to learn the Scriptures in Ao.
Pray for Ao pastors and theologians to be equipped to teach the Bible and support families.
Pray for Ao Christians to take the gospel to neighboring peoples who know very little about it.
Pray for Ao
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar