Monpa in Bhutan
Photo Source:
Copyrighted © 2024
Matt Hahnewald - Shutterstock All rights reserved. Used with permission |
Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Monpa |
| Country: | Bhutan |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 99,000 |
| World Population: | 144,000 |
| Primary Language: | Tshangla |
| Primary Religion: | Buddhism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Tribal - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Monpa people live in Arunachal Pradesh (NE India) and Bhutan.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Monpa people are known as friendly and hard working. They work in agriculture, trading, and breeding of yaks and cattle. They grow potatoes. The foundation seeds are brought from Himachal Pradesh and are grown by Monpa people to give certified seeds. They are sold to farmers in other regions of Arunachal Pradesh. Other crops are barley, rice, maize and wheat. They can also grow oranges, apples and nuts in Tawang.
Monpa people live in two story houses made of stone and with planks for floors. They are artistic people who make carpets, utensils from bamboo, and wooden items. They have made a name for themselves with their paintings and paper making. They are skilled in making wood carvings and learned to manufacture paper from the pulp of a certain tree.
After marriage the newly married couple moves into the home of the bride's parents.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Most adhere to the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Elements of the ancient Bon shamanistic religion are blended into the practices of the Monpa. The "spirit of the tiger" has been an influence, which may torment people as they sleep.
What Are Their Needs?
Bhutan does not welcome Christian missionaries. No written, audio, or visual Bible resources exist in the Monpa language. There are some indigenous Christians in Bhutan, but they are few and far between.
Prayer Points
There may be a few believers among the Monpa of Bhutan and India, but this is uncertain. Pray for any believers to be taught by God's Spirit how to quickly confess sin, and how to walk in the power of the Lord's Spirit, demonstrating love, joy and peace.
Pray for the Monpa to be completely set free from the bondage of evil spirits.
Pray they will be given a hunger to know the living God.