Afghan Hindu/Sikhs in North America

Before 1970, there were numerous gurdwaras and Hindu temples, but many are now damaged or repurposed. The remaining community members often live in fear and disguise their religious identity in public. Hindus and Sikhs believe in cremating the dead, which conflicts with Islamic beliefs, leading to attacks, even during funerals.
A significant Afghan Hindu and Sikh community has settled in Hicksville, Long Island, NY, where they maintain their cultural ties. They frequently visit each other’s places of worship, celebrate festivals like Diwali together, and support one another during important life events. In early 2021, Canada implemented a policy to help relocate 36 Hindu and Sikh families from Afghanistan.
As relatively recent arrivals in the US, these communities often face lower income levels and mental health challenges due to the trauma they experienced in Afghanistan.

Religious Life
The Old Asamai temple is located at the bottom of Koh–i-Asamai mountain in Kabul while the new temple of Asamai is located at the top of the mountain. The mountain and temples are named after the Hindu Goddess of hope, Asha. These temples have a rich history and have withstood numerous attacks and conflicts over the years. They hold deep spiritual and cultural significance for the Afghan Hindu Community. Despite the challenges faced in Afghanistan, these temples remain as holy places of worship.
The Asa’mai Hindu Temple in Hicksville, NY is named after the ancient temple and is the center of the community on Long Island. This temple is not only a place of worship but also a center for preserving Afghan Hindu culture, traditions, and religious practices in the diaspora. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the community’s identity.
Gurdwara Chisma Sahib in Jalalabad, Afghanistan is sacred for Sikhs, as they believe Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, visited the region in the 15th century. The Guru Nanak Darbar on Long Island is named after Guru Nanak. This spiritual center is situated adjacent to the Hindu temple in Hicksville, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie between the Sikh and Hindu communities. Like Sikh gurdwaras worldwide, Guru Nanak Darbar continues the tradition of langar, a free communal meal, offered after their religious services. Langar reflects the Sikh values of selfless service and equality.
Afghan Hinduism and Sikhism have elements of animistic worship that are intertwined with their religious practices. These elements can be traced back to the region’s historical diversity, where various tribes and religions coexisted for centuries. Incorporating animistic elements in worship reflects the syncretic nature of Afghan religious traditions, which have absorbed and integrated beliefs and rituals from different cultural and religious influences over time.
These are the Afghan Hindu/Sikh communities in North America most in need of gospel witness
People Group | Metropolitan Area | Population Size | Concentrated Area | Priority Score |
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