Maramei in India
Photo Source:
HeartCry Missionary Society
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Maramei |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 31,000 |
| World Population: | 31,000 |
| Primary Language: | Naga, Maram |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 98.88 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Tribal - Naga |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The government of India has declared that the most undeveloped tribe in the northeast Indian state of Manipur is the Maramei. The Maramei speak their own language of Naga Maram. Almost all Maramie claim to be followers of Jesus Christ.
What Are Their Lives Like?
If an unwanted baby is born out of wedlock, the Maramei will kill the baby by squeezing his/her neck using a wooden pole. When the baby dies, they will pierce bamboo spikes all over the baby fearing he/she might take revenge in the next world. Alcoholism is an issue among the Maramei.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Although most Maramei are Christians on paper, they still worship the spirits of nature and their ancestors. They pray with mediums, practice spiritism and superstition. They believe rice beer, which is a very intoxicating drink, to be the source of life and energy. The Maramei do not eat pork because there is a traditional belief that their ancestors were orphans and they were fed and brought up by a mother pig.
What Are Their Needs?
The Maramei people need to put their whole trust in Jesus Christ. He alone can forgive their sins and free them of their fear of evil spirits. They need to learn to read so they can read the Bible in their language. They need to learn new job skills, so they can improve their economic condition.
Prayer Points
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will give the Maramei to the Word of God. Pray for a spiritual revival that will turn their hearts to Christ and make them obedient servants. Pray the Lord gives the Maramei trained pastors so that they can lead them in the way of Christ. Pray the Maramei will share the good news with peoples who live in their area of northeast India.