Manipuri, Ponna in Myanmar (Burma)

People Name:	Manipuri, Ponna
Country:	Myanmar (Burma)
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	12,000
World Population:	1,650,000
Primary Language:	Meitei
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	1.70 %
Evangelicals:	1.50 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Hindu - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

With many ethnic groups nestled within its borders, Myanmar has a complicated network of cultures. Along with the local tribes there are thousands of people from India’s northeastern Manipur state who have spilled over into Myanmar. Some migrated long ago while others are fleeing violence in Manipur. Most Manipuris live in Manipur, India, but others live in Bangladesh or Myanmar.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Manipuri are rice farmers who build their terraces on mountain and hill slopes, using irrigation canals and dams. They use different kinds of pick axes, hoes, spades, water buffalo drawn plows, and tillers for farming. Fertilizers, especially cattle dung, are used for cultivation. Cattle production is also developing. Some still practice "slash and burn" agriculture.

Their families are patrilineal, meaning that the line of descent is traced through the father. The father or eldest brother is the head of the family and makes all the decisions. Two to four family branches make up a clan. The members of each clan have a patronymic name (name that is derived from a common father or ancestor).

Manipuris like handicrafts such as wickerwork, cotton weaving and dyeing. The women are usually pictured carrying baskets on their backs, toting a baby in a sack around their shoulders, and spinning cotton with their hands. In their tradition, the respect a woman receives depends upon the number of sons and grandsons she has. The folk arts and literature of the Manipuri are also fairly well developed. Many stories of literary and historic value, as well as folk tales, have been passed down orally.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Manipuri were converted to Hinduism in the sixteenth century, but elements of their pre-Hindu religion still remain today. In addition to worshiping the officially recognized Hindu gods, Manipuri continue to worship many gods of nature, especially one who supposedly came to earth in the form of a snake. Folk beliefs continue to be highly influential in Manipuri society. For example, the people often make difficult decisions by observing the positions of roosters' feet. They even have an old proverb that says, "All wisdom derives from a rooster's foot." Dance is closely tied to Manipuri religion. In the people's eyes, dance is a means of pleasing the gods and is the essence of the universe.

What Are Their Needs?

Manipuris in India are under attack by armed drug dealers and other criminals. In Myanmar, they must also deal with a rogue military. Therefore, one of their greatest needs is protection from the Lord.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to protect the Manipuri people and others in Myanmar from evil men.
Ask God to strengthen, encourage, and protect the small number of Manipuri Christians.
Ask the Holy Spirit to complete the work begun in the hearts of the Manipuri believers through adequate discipleship that will lead to more discipleship.
Ask the Lord to raise up strong local churches among the Manipuri people in Myanmar and India.