Case Study Of Mizoram: A Christian State

A Christian State:
Mizoram is predominantly a Christian state. It is one of the three Christian-majority states in India. According to 2011 Census, Mizoram has a total population of 1,091,014 among whom 87.16 percent professes Christianity. Apart from Christianity, Buddhism is followed by 8.51 percent, Hinduism by 2.75 percent, Islam by 1.35 percent, and Sikhism and Jainism has 0.03 percent each. Chakmas, who are predominantly Buddhists, form the majority of the non-Christian population. Other minority communities, who are immigrants from the neighbouring states of India and other countries, such as Bengalis, Nepalese, Assamese, Bihari, Oriyas and Punjabis are also part of non-Christian population.
One should be reminded that the Mizo Christians
Most of them are church members. Not everyone attends regularly, but most people do especially on Sunday. Participation in church related activities is considered important duty. ‘Time in Mizoram is governed by church time, in the span of both a day and a lifetime’ (J. L. Pachuau 2014:140). Right from the early morning, day begins with prayer meeting or zing tawngtai inkhawm. Mostly elderly folks attend the service. When the day is done, it is time for night services or zan inkhawm which start around six o clock. Night services is designated for different categories ofth member. Different denominations may have different schedules. In the Presbyterian church, Monday night service accommodates the young people or thalai, who are usually within the age of eighteen to thirty-five. Tuesday night is for the women, mostly middle aged. Except for Thursday and Friday, Saturday and Sunday night services cater to all the members. It is an occasion for prayer and preaching. Sunday is all together different day than the rest of the week. Morning church service starts around ten o clock and goes on till eleven-thirty to twelve. Sunday Schools are conducted for both the children and adults. There is a separate Sunday School hall for the children who are divided into different classes according to their ages. Adult Sunday School takes place in the church, although there is separate classes for them too, it is only for the sake of convenience. After an hour break, there is afternoon service in which adults listen to the sermon and the children learn songs and Bible verses. In the evening, there usually is a youth fellowship program where they come together for singing, praying and sharing. And then the Sunday night service follows. Given the frequent religious services and gatherings through out one’s life, church is one of the most common platform for social interaction, a place where anyone can develop associational ties and create social