People
Who they are
The Zeliang are one of the Naga peoples of northeastern India. Most live in Nagaland, with smaller groups in Assam, Manipur and Meghalaya. Peren district in Nagaland is one of the Zeliang homelands. They speak Zeme Naga, which defines their identity as a people.
A major festival marks the end of the farming year: Hega, with rituals, dancing, singing and feasting.
Where they live
1
Country
110K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
India Superficially reached
|
100%
|
109.000 |
How they live
Most Zeliang families grow millet, rice, corn and vegetables and raise pigs, cattle and chickens. They make woven goods to sell and run small businesses. Houses and community buildings feature carvings, nearly all of which have symbolic meaning. They live in extended families, and the eldest son makes the important decisions. Communities work together for the good of everyone.
What they believe
In the past, the Zeliang revered nature spirits that lived in trees, rivers and mountains, appeasing them in the hope of protection and prosperity. Today most are Christians, mainly Baptists, but traditional beliefs persist. In Peren district, some still follow the traditional religion known as Bungtak.
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.
Zeme 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)93.7%
Needs
Poor roads limit access to markets, health care and schools. Children usually receive only a primary education, and those who want to continue must find a school elsewhere. Without further education, families remain dependent on subsistence farming. In Peren district, a lack of transport and cold storage facilities also hinders small farmers.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for better roads to Zeliang villages so that communities can have access to schools, health care and markets.
Pray for young Zeliang people who need to leave home to continue their education.
Pray for Zeliang farmers who are unable to store their harvests and transport them to market.
Pray for Zeliang churches, that Bible teaching will reach families who still mix the Christian faith with traditional beliefs.
Pray for Zeliang families who still follow the traditional religion, that they will come to know Jesus.
Pray for Zeliang
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar