Introduction / History

Bia means 'speak' or 'worship '. The Biate live in Assam, Mizoram, Meghalaya and other north east Indian states, and are known as one of the oldest tribes in northeast India. They speak a Tibeto-Burman language. Their estimated population is only 16,000.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Biate people live on high slopes. They work in agriculture and shifting cultivation. They make their own clothes and play musical instruments. They have their own chiefs to make their laws, but the state court system looks after their interests. People marry someone from a different clan, and their elders arrange the marriages. Divorce does not happen very often. Surprisingly, upon the death of the father, the youngest son inherits the family property. Sons and daughters can have property according to what the father wants.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Biate were historically animists. Today they are either Hindu or Christian. They celebrate their own festivals.

What Are Their Needs?

The entire Bible and audio resources exist in the Biate language; however, nothing is known about the literary education of the Biate people.

Prayer Points

Pray that Biate believers will begin Discovery Bible Studies to reach others for our Lord. Thank the Lord that many Biate people follow Christ!Pray that Biate believers will go to where the gospel has not yet been preached.

Scripture Prayers for the Biate in India.