When is Missionary Day?
Missionary Day is a regional holiday in Mizoram, India that commemorates the arrival of two Welsh Christian missionaries in the state over a century ago.
This holiday is always celebrated on January 11th and is declared as a public holiday by the state government. Government offices and educational institutions will be closed on this day.
History of Missionary Day
Rev J H Lorrain and Rev F W Savidge arrived in the then Lushai country (Mizoram) by boat from Assam on January 11th 1894 to spread Christianity in the region. This resulted in conversion of almost all the Mizos to the new religion.
The missionaries established the Presbyterian Church in northern part of Mizoram and the Baptist Church in the southern part of the state.
To mark the day, local churches will hold prayers and organise community feasts.
