Expanded PDF Profile

There are three subgroups of Mishmis, namely the Digaru, Idu and Miju, each having their own distinctive dialects. Most of them live in India's northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, but a small number live over the border in Bhutan.

Their main economic resources are from the land (agriculture) and forest produce. Mishmis are known for their weaving skills, producing shawls, blouses, jackets, skirts, coats, bags and even other products such as bamboo baskets and bead-necklaces. They also trade in these products, yet they are one of the weakest tribes economically in Bhutan. They mainly have an oral tradition and no script. However, recently they formed a script of Roman origin. Mishmis are non-vegetarian. Men and children consume pork as well as beef, and they eat almost every part of the animal. Their women eat the meat of small birds and fish. Their houses are made of bamboo and the roof is thatched with long grass. They are constructed on raised platforms, beneath which they keep their domestic animals such as pigs and chickens are kept.

Mishmis follow hereditary shamanism, the most important characteristics of which are the concept of one supreme being and a complex system of beliefs based on nature and its spiritual qualities. They consider the sun and the moon, represented by Donyi-polo, to be the symbol of eternal truth. The Donyi-polo belief system, also known as Phong kelum, and influenced by Buddhist rituals. They sacrifice mithun (a bison-like animal) and pigs in a number of rituals and pujas during festivals. Their worldview is also influenced by their belief in good and bad spirits. They are animistic and believe in the existence of spirits that govern the rule of nature. They believe in the existence of ghosts and evil spirits. They pray to "almighty sun" and the divine spirit that governs the universe to look into their needs and to protect them from curses.

Bhutan is a culturally and religiously very sensitive country. There are restrictions for anyone from outside the country entering it or residing there. Any foreigner requires a special permit from the government, and they are permitted to visit only for a short period, paying an enormous daily fee to the government.

Pray for the building of strong relationships with the government for the overall development of the Mishmi community. Pray for training and guidance for the personnel identified as mother tongue translators, as they start the translation process. Pray for both the Digaru and Miju to have excellent translations of Scripture that will effectively reach every Mishmi person, leading to their transformation. Pray for a Miji movement to Christ and for workers to go.

Scripture Prayers for the Miji [Sajalong] in Bhutan.