Gospel Truths

These events represent the twin peaks of contemporary Mizo culture, the all-pervasive influence of the Christian gospel and an unquenchable enthusiasm for the more dated aspects of western rock. Missionaries only reached Mizoram a little over a century ago, but it must now count as one of the most pastorised corners of the globe. The Protestant imprint can be found in a social life that revolves around religion and little else. Alcohol is prohibited—cafes close at the same time as government offices—and lingering elements of pre-Christian culture, from drumming to group singing, have been absorbed into church activity.

But while Aizawl is remote, it is not cut off from the world. Just that the cultural moorings are different. Young Mizos look to the West or the Far East more than to Delhi or Mumbai. Young Mizo women wear jeans rather than saris or salwar kameez. Local TV channels are as likely to show movies in Korean as in Hindi. And the big hits on the 'on demand' channels—gospel rock, gospel rap and Mizo love songs—just wouldn't work anywhere else.