Punjabi Sikhs in North America

Punjabi Sikhs may be one of the most recognizable people groups in North America because of the turbans they wear, but there are many misunderstandings about who they are and what they believe. Punjabi Sikhs in North America originate from the Punjab region along the border of India and Pakistan with Panjabi being the primary language of the region. The first Punjabi Sikhs came to North America in the late 1800s. They worked on farms in California and the railroad system. In modern times, Punjabi Sikhs work in many professions including IT, entrepreneurial endeavors, and the trucking industry. Estimates of the number of Sikhs in North America range from 670,000 to 1,000,00. Toronto and Vancouver have large numbers as well as the Richmond Hill area of Queens in New York City and various cities in California.
Sikhs have a basic belief in the equality of all people. To demonstrate this belief, a free meal is often served at their gurdwaras (temples) to which anyone is invited. The yearly festival of Vaisakhi is celebrated in some cities with large populations of Sikhs. This festival is like a new year festival and is used as an opportunity to share about their community with others. A traditional Sikh wedding is very elaborate and lasts for nearly a week. The blessing of the families is an integral part of the wedding.

Religious Life
The Sikh religion started in the Punjab region. Among the traditional garments for followers of the Sikh religion is the turban. Men and women may wear the turban, but women are not required to do so. Everyone covers their head when entering the gurdwara (temple) for worship. Strict followers of this religion do not cut their hair. However, some younger people have cut their hair. Sikh religion recognizes only one God. Sikhs who have been through the Amrit Ceremony of initiation, or Amrit Sanskar, become “baptized” Sikhs, take new names, and wear the 5 K’s. The five K’s are:
- Kesh (uncut hair)
- Kara (a steel bracelet)
- Kanga (a wooden comb)
- Kaccha – (cotton underwear)
- Kirpan (steel sword)
These are the Punjabi 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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