Religion in Arunachal Pradesh

Religion in Arunachal Pradesh (2011)

  Christianity (30.26%)

  Hinduism (29.04%)

  Donyi-Polo (26.2%)

  Tibetan Buddhism (11.76%)

  Islam (1.9%)

  Other (0.84%)

Owing to its ethnic and cultural diversity, religion in Arunachal Pradesh has been a spot for the syncretism of different traditional religions. Much of the native populations follow indigenous religions which have been systematised (generally following Hindu models) under the definition "Donyi-Polo" (Sun-Moon) since Christianity began to be vehemently spread in the region by Western missionaries in the second half of the 20th century. The province is also home to a substantial Tibetan population in the north and northwest who follow Tibetan Buddhism, of ethnic groups who subscribe to Hinduism, and other religious populations. Christianity is followed by over 30% of the population, mostly by natives.

Statistics

2011

• Christian: 418,732 (30.26%)
• Hindu: 401,876 (29.04%)
• Others (mostly Donyi-Polo): 362,553 (26.2%)
• Buddhist: 162,815 (11.76%)
• Muslim: 27,045 (1.9%)
• Sikh: 1,865 (0.1%)
• Jain: 216 (<0.1%)

2001

• Hindu: 379,935 (34.6%)
• Others (mostly Donyi-Polo): 337,399 (30.7%)
• Christian: 205,548 (18.7%)
• Buddhist: 143,028 (13.0%)
• Muslim: 20,675 (1.9%)
• Sikh: 1,865 (0.1%)
• Jain: 216 (<0.1%)

Conversion, migration and loss of traditional beliefs

Since the Christian missionaries had set foot in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, there has been a lot of change in beliefs resulting in conversion. The traditional belief of Donyi-Poloism has emerged as a self-conscious systematic movement since large numbers of Arunachali natives started to convert to Christianity. Conversion into Christianity has been a fast process and now Christians form the major religious group in the state.

Migration too has been playing a major role in the changing of the religious demography of Arunachal Pradesh. The coming of Muslim populations in search of jobs and better livelihood has contributed to the growth of an Islamic community.