The name Tikhak reportedly can mean either 'proficient basket makers or those who produce a peculiar coughing sound '. They originated further to the east in a place called Mukcha in the Patkoi Range. About 150 years ago, for reasons unknown, they migrated away from their homeland to their present location.
The Tikhak are one of 15 different Tangsa tribes in India. Several Tangsa groups are also located across the border in western Myanmar. The Tikhak Tangsas live in the Manmao, Nampong, Miao and Bordumsa circles of the Changlang District in southeastern Arunachal Pradesh, India. A few of them also live in the Dibrugarh District of Assam.
One way to distinguish the Tikhak from other Tangsa tribes is by their dress. 'The men's lower dress called impayan (a handwoven lungi) has red, green, brown and white squares. The women's lower dress naitak (also a handwoven lungi) has different vertical stripes intersected by broad horizontal black stripes. The men also use the takot-khuka (kind of head dress). '
Among the 15 Tangsa groups in India, only two could be considered majority Buddhist: the Tikhak and the Yongkuk. There is some confusion regarding the religious beliefs of the Tikhak Tangsa, though it appears there is a Buddhist majority. Some reports seem to imply that most Tikhak people are animists. 'The Tikhak religion consists of beliefs in different benevolent and malevolent spirits. The community believes in the concept of a god named fra or pra. No worship or sacrifice is offered to the fra. They worship the house deity called Matai once a year for the well-being of the family. Lumrong is worshipped for the protection of their entire area from natural calamities. The tumsa (priest) is an expert in detecting evil spirits, in diagnosing and curing diseases, in predicting the future, and in presiding over the worship ceremonies. Thus he is respected by all. A large number of Tikhaks have embraced Christianity, while some of them profess Buddhism. '
Although for now the Tikhak Tangsa are classified as a majority Buddhist group, they are surrounded by Christians. The Tangsa New Testament was published in 1992, although it is not known if the Tikhak Tangsa are able to read it.
Ask the Holy Spirit to supernaturally reveal Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life to the Tikhak Tangsas.
Ask God to open their eyes, hearts and ears to the good news of the savior.
Pray for the Lord to raise up the right people to disciple the Tikhak Tangsas in his ways.
Pray for the Lord to demonstrate his power and goodness among them in a way they will understand.
Ask for an intervention of the Holy Spirit in each of their families.
Scripture Prayers for the Tangsa Tikhak in India.
Peoples of the Buddhist World, Asia Harvest Copyrighted © Used with permission.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
