Missionary Day

Missionary Day is a regional public holiday observed in Mizoram every 11 January, marking the 1894 arrival of Welsh Christian missionaries Rev J H Lorrain and Rev F W Savidge, who introduced Christianity to the region. In 2026, Missionary Day falls on Sunday, 11 January. Government offices, schools and banks across Mizoram remain closed on this day.

Festival Name

Date

States

Missionary Day

Sunday, 11 January 2026

Mizoram

When is Missionary Day in 2026? 

Missionary Day is a regional holiday in the state of Mizoram that is celebrated on 11 January every year and in 2026 it will fall on Sunday. On this day, all the government offices and educational institutions will remain closed on this day.

                                                                               Also, Check - Christian Festivals

History of Missionary Day 

The following are the details about the history of Missionary Day: 

  • To spread Christianity in Mizoram, Rev J H Lorrain and Rev F W Savidge arrived in the then Lushai country (now Mizoram) on 11 January 1894 
  • The village of Sairang, other areas of the Lushai Hills and Mizoram state were converted to Christianity through the ministry of two Welsh missionaries 
  • The Presbyterian Church was established in the northern part of Mizoram by the missionaries.
  • The Baptist Church was established by the missionaries in the southern part of the state 
  • Mizo-English dictionary was created by the missionaries to teach the Mizo people to read in their own language 
  • The celebration of Missionary Day was started in 1974 by the Presbyterian Church in Mizoram 

About Mizoram and its Residents 

Here is all about the state of Mizoram and its residents: 

  • The inhabitants of the Mizo Hills are referred to as ‘Lushai’ 
  • Mizo clans maintained the village before arrival of the British 
  • The Mizos practiced Jhum Cultivation also known as slash and burn.

Christianity in Mizoram 

The following are the details about Christianity in Mizoram: 

  • The most prevalent religion in Mizoram is Christianity 
  • Presbyterians form the largest Christian denomination in Mizoram, where Christians make up around 87% of the population.  

What is the Meaning of Missionary Day in Mizoram 2026? 

Missionary day is celebrated in the Christian-dominated north-eastern state of Mizoram to mark the arrival of two Welsh Christian missionaries. The meaning of this is that on this day, people attend special services for worship, prayer, and remembrance of the blessings of God sent through the Gospel that arrived with the first two missionaries of Mizoram in 1894.

Summary 

Missionary Day, observed every 11 January in Mizoram, commemorates the 1894 arrival of Welsh missionaries Rev J H Lorrain and Rev F W Savidge and the introduction of Christianity to the state. In 2026, the holiday falls on Sunday, 11 January, when government offices, schools and banks across Mizoram remain closed. The day is marked with special church services, prayer and community gatherings across the state.

FAQs on Missionary Day 2026

1.How do you celebrate Missionary Day?

People in the locality plan a potluck or barbecue and invite other missionaries to show support for the missionaries in your community. They also visit the local church to hold prayers and organise community feasts.

2.What is the meaning of Missionary Day?

The meaning of Missionary Day in Mizoram marks the arrival of Mizoram’s first two Christian missionaries in 1894 in the state from Assam through boat. 

3.Who was the first missionary in Mizoram?

Rev. William Williams, a missionary of the Welsh Presbyterian Church in the Khasi Hills, Assam was the first missionary who visited Mizoram. 

4.When did missionaries come to Mizoram?

In 1894, the pioneers entered Lushai Hills from Arthington Aborigines Mission in London. The year is known for the advent of the Gospel. 

5.Who bring Christianity to Mizoram?

Two English Baptist missionaries of the Arthington Aborigines Mission, J.H. Lorrain and F.W. Savidge arrived in Mizoram which was then known as Lushai Hills. They arrived in 1894 and began their missionary work in the state. They introduced a new religion, Christianity, education and changed the perspective.

6.Is Missionary day a public holiday?

Yes, Missionary day is celebrated in Mizoram and is observed as a public holiday.

7.Is Missionary day 2026 a bank holiday?

Yes, banks will remain closed on 11 January 2026 due to the occasion of Missionary Day in Mizoram. 

8. What is Missionary Day in Mizoram?

Missionary Day is a regional public holiday observed in Mizoram to commemorate the arrival of Welsh Christian missionaries who introduced Christianity to the state. It falls every year on 11 January, and government offices, schools and banks in Mizoram remain closed.

9. When is Missionary Day observed in Mizoram?

Missionary Day is observed in Mizoram on 11 January every year. In 2026, the date falls on a Sunday.

10. How do people celebrate Missionary Day in Mizoram?

People across Mizoram celebrate Missionary Day by attending special church services and taking part in prayer and community gatherings. The day is marked as a public holiday, with government offices, schools and banks closed.

11.What is the meaning of Missionary Day?

Missionary Day marks the arrival of two Welsh Christian missionaries who introduced Christianity to Mizoram. The day is meant as an act of remembrance and worship for the Gospel they brought to the state. 

12.Who was the first missionary in Mizoram?

Rev J H Lorrain and Rev F W Savidge were the two Welsh Christian missionaries who first brought Christianity to Mizoram. They are the missionaries commemorated on Missionary Day.

13.When did missionaries first come to Mizoram?

Missionaries first arrived in Mizoram, then known as the Lushai Hills, on 11 January 1894. This date is why Missionary Day in Mizoram is observed every 11 January. 

14.Who brought Christianity to Mizoram?

Christianity was brought to Mizoram by Welsh missionaries Rev J H Lorrain and Rev F W Savidge in 1894. Missionary Day in Mizoram honours their role in establishing the Presbyterian and Baptist churches in the state.

15.Why is Missionary Day a public holiday only in Mizoram?

Missionary Day is specific to Mizoram because it marks a historical event unique to the state: the 1894 arrival of Christian missionaries there. It is therefore not observed as a public holiday in other Indian states.

16. Are banks closed in Mizoram on Missionary Day?

Yes, banks in Mizoram remain closed on Missionary Day, along with government offices and educational institutions. This is because Missionary Day is a state government-notified public holiday in Mizoram.

Disclaimer
Display of any trademarks, tradenames, logos and other subject matters of intellectual property belong to their respective intellectual property owners. Display of such IP along with the related product information does not imply BankBazaar's partnership with the owner of the Intellectual Property or issuer/manufacturer of such products.