Demographics of Arunachal Pradesh - Religion

Religion

An uncertain but relatively large percentage of Arunachal's population are animist, and follow tribal religious traditions, sometimes described by revivalist neologisms such as Donyi-Polo (in the Tani area) or Rangfrah (further east). A small number of Arunachali peoples have traditionally identified as Hindus, although the number is growing as animist traditions are merged with Hindu traditions (Folk Hinduism). Tibetan Buddhism predominates in the districts of Tawang, West Kameng, and isolated regions adjacent to Tibet. Theravada Buddhism is practiced by groups living near the Burmese border. Around 19% of the population are said to be followers of the Christian faith, and this percentage is probably growing due to Christian missionary activities in the area.

According to the 2001 Indian Census, out of the 705,158 tribals living in Arunachal, 333,102 are Animist (47.24%), 186,617 were Christian (26.46%), 92,577 are Hindu (13.13%), and 82,634 are Budhhist (11.72%). According to the census, religions of Arunachal Pradesh break down as follows:

• Hindu: 379,935 (34.6%)
• Others (mostly tribal religions): 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%)

Out of the 101 recognized tribes, 37 are having an animist majority (Nissi, Adi Gallong, Tagin, Adi Minyong, Adi, Apatani.etc.), 23 are having a Christian majority (Wancho, Dafla, Mossang Tangsa, Bori, Yobin.etc.), 15 are having a Hindu majority (Mishmi, Mishing/Miri, Deori, Aka, Longchang Tangsa.etc.), and 17 are having a Buddhist majority (Monpa, Khampti, Tawang Monpa, Momba, Singpho, Sherdukpen.etc.). The remaining 8 tribes are multi-faith, i.e. doesn't have a dominant religion (Nocte, Tangsa, Naga.etc.).

A law has been enacted to protect the indigenous religions n Arunanchal Pradesh against the spread of other religions, though no comparable law exists to protect the other religions.