People
Who they are
The Garo, who call themselves A-chik Mande, live mainly in Meghalaya, in northeastern India, and also in Bangladesh. Most are Christians, and churches are part of village life. Some follow the traditional religion, called Songsarek.
The people are organized into clans traced through the mother, and inheritance and lineage pass through women. Life in the hills and plains has given rise to different ways of farming and speaking. Music, dance, harvest festivals and houses on stilts are part of village life, and many Garo have also moved to cities to study and work.
History and origin
Garo oral tradition tells of the people coming from far away, from the mountains of Tibet, to the hills where they live today. In the late nineteenth century, American Baptist missionaries developed a writing system for Garo using the Latin alphabet. The New Testament was published in 1894 and the complete Bible in 1924.
In Bangladesh, Garo families in the Madhupur region have been involved in a land dispute for decades. The area was declared a government forest without consulting the people, and many face legal proceedings and threats of eviction.
Where they live
2
Countries
1.3M
World population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
India Superficially reached
|
92.2%
|
1.156.000 |
Bangladesh Superficially reached
|
7.8%
|
98.000 |
How they live
Most live in villages and grow rice. In the hills, some families rotate their cultivation areas over the years; in the plains, they grow rice in flooded fields. Working together is part of community life.
Children belong to their mother’s clan, and inheritance usually goes to a daughter, generally the youngest. Women play a central role in the family and the economy. Ties to the village remain strong even for those who have moved to the city.
What they believe
Christianity is the dominant religion among the Garo, with Protestant and Catholic communities. The Songsarek religion, followed by some of the people, honors spirits, nature and ancestors. Many families in rural areas still hold traditional beliefs.
The Wangala festival, which gives thanks for the harvest, has its origins in this religion and is now also celebrated as part of Garo culture. Those who dance at Wangala therefore do not necessarily follow Songsarek. Many Garo identify as Christians, but few are Evangelicals.
Language and the Bible
The complete Bible has been available in Garo since 1924, with revised editions published later. In Bangladesh, there is also a New Testament in Abeng, a variety of Garo spoken there. There are also audio recordings, apps for reading and listening to the New Testament, and the film about Jesus in Garo.
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.
Garo
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)95.6%
Barriers to the gospel
Among the Garo, many are Christians in name, and few have a firm, personal faith. Traditional beliefs remain in many rural villages, and churches need to teach the Bible clearly and with respect for local customs. Regional differences in the language also mean that material used in one community needs adapting for another.
Needs
Good schools, healthcare and farming that provides a livelihood remain needs in Garo villages. In Bangladesh, legal support to defend families’ land is urgently needed.
Churches need leaders and teachers who can guide younger generations in their own language and help Christians deepen their faith in daily life.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for access to healthcare and good schools in Garo villages.
Pray for the protection of Garo families' land in Bangladesh and for a livelihood for those who depend on farming.
Pray for families and churches to use the Garo Bible in written and audio form.
Pray for a firm faith in Jesus among Garo Christians and for clarity in decisions concerning family festivals and traditions.
Pray for the training of Garo leaders and teachers who will teach children and young people in their own language.
Pray for Garo churches to bear respectful witness among those who follow Songsarek.
Pray for Garo (A-chik Mande)
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar