The oral traditions of the Chugpa say they migrated to their present location from the west and settled in the Sangti area of the Dirang Subdivision for a considerable period before moving on to their present location in a beautiful valley. Because of their different origins, the Chugpa Monpa language is quite distinct from other Monpa varieties spoken in the area, although they have learned to speak a Monpa lingua franca and Hindi in order to communicate with their neighbors. Despite their linguistic and cultural differences, the various Monpa groups share a certain uniformity in their appearance. Men and women wear maroon or black gowns and jackets, while Monpa men are fond of wearing their distinctive caps made of yak hair, which is both warm and waterproof.

Remarkably for a tiny people group who only inhabit one village, the Chugpa Monpa community has five social divisions, or clans. In times past there were strict restrictions against individuals from the same clan marrying each other, but in recent times the village has relaxed these taboos due to their small numbers and their desire for survival.

The Chugpa Monpa tribe live in just one location, Chug village, in northeast India. Chug village is within the Dirang District in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, home to dozens of relatively untouched tribes and colorful people groups.

Arunachal Pradesh is renowned for its incredibly wet weather—some meteorologists have labeled it the wettest place on earth. During the monsoon, it is common for an inch of rain to fall in Arunachal in an hour. Many different varieties of fruit and vegetables grow in this moist environment. The diet of the Chugpa Monpa includes 'beef, pork, mutton, chicken, and venison. The flesh of monkey is considered a taboo. They drink bangchen (local beer) prepared out of rice or maize. They also drink ara (distilled liquor). The Chug Monpas are fond of apples, oranges and plums.

One hundred per cent of Chugpa Monpa profess Buddhism as their religion. They send their sons to Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in north India and maintain links with numerous other Buddhist tribes and people groups. Lamas preside over birth, marriage and funeral rites. After a person dies, the lama decides whether the deceased should be buried, cremated, or if the body should be cut into pieces and thrown into the river.

Although the people groups living on the southern plains of Arunachal Pradesh have witnessed tremendous Christian growth over the past 20 years, the gospel has yet to make an impact on the Chugpa Monpa.

The Chugpa Monpa need the Holy Spirit to open their eyes so they can see the precious savior.

Pray for loving workers to go to the Chugpa Monpa people, and for their hearts to be ready to receive their savior.

Pray for families of believers loving and serving others to grow reproducing churches.

Pray for a chain reaction of families reaching families that result in thousands of new disciples who share their faith with others.

Pray for grace and truth expanding into their entire society as all believers learn to love others.

Scripture Prayers for the Monpa Chugpa in India.

Peoples of the Buddhist World, Asia Harvest, Copyrighted © Used with permission