Christianity and Lai Marriage: Is Tradition Giving Way to Modernity?

This study investigates the shifting dynamics of marriage preferences among the Lai people, with a focus on the impact of Christianity. A sample of 200 participants, drawn from the dominant Lairam Isua Krista Baptist Kohhran (LIKBK) Church in Lawngtlai district, provided valuable insights. The research aims to ascertain the extent to which the Lai community has diverged from traditional marital practices. The findings reveal a significant paradigm shift, wherein a syncretic form of marriage, blending Christian and traditional elements, has become prevalent. This hybridised marriage practice underscores the complex interplay between cultural heritage and Christian influences.