People
Who they are
The Nyishi are the largest people group in Arunachal Pradesh, in northeastern India, and include both Christian families and families who maintain their traditional religion. They are organized into clans, and descent follows the father’s line. The Nyishi language bears the people’s name. Cooperation between neighbors is central to farm work and helping those in need. Festivals such as Nyokum, with music and dancing, link the harvest to traditional religion.
Where they live
1
Country
265K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
India Superficially reached
|
100%
|
262.000 |
How they live
Nyishi families grow rice, corn, millet and ginger. Some fields are cleared by cutting and burning forest, with plots changing from time to time; there are also irrigated rice paddies. Raising animals, fishing and hunting supplement their food supply. Baskets, woven cloth, tools and objects made of wood or bamboo are used in the home and may also be sold. Neighbors help one another with farm work and in times of difficulty.
What they believe
The Christian faith is already part of life for many Nyishi families. Among those who follow traditional religion, the sun, the moon and ancestral spirits are venerated. At the Nyokum festival, people ask for protection for their crops and a good harvest, and the rituals are led by traditional priests called nyubh. Christians and followers of traditional religion live side by side, often within the same family.
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.
Nyishi
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)62.8%
Needs
Good farmland is scarce, so families need other ways to earn a living. Education and training for other occupations can open up opportunities for young people. For Christians, having biblical materials is not enough: they need to learn and practice their faith so that it is more than a name. Churches need to teach clearly and train leaders from within the community.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for the livelihoods of Nyishi families as they face a shortage of farmland.
Pray for access to education and vocational training for Nyishi young people.
Pray for the Scriptures and biblical materials in Nyishi to be used in families.
Pray for Nyishi Christians to be strengthened so that they understand and practice the faith they profess.
Pray for the life of Nyishi churches, that they may train local leaders and build respectful relationships with families of other faiths.
Pray for Nyishi
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar