Sikh Lohar live in several states with Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh having the largest numbers. Eastern Punjabi, the dominant language of Sikhs, is their main tongue.
The Lohar work in ironwork and as blacksmiths. They repair agricultural tools. They are having to compete with factories, and this is difficult for them. They have a council to look after them in most states. They use modern and traditional medicines.
Marriages are arranged for them. The divorced and bereaved can marry again. On the death of the father, sons inherit the property with the oldest son becoming in charge of the home.
Sikhism originated from a 15th century teacher named Guru Nanak Dev as a reform movement. He rejected the Hindu caste system, taught that all people were equal and that all have equal access to God. The Sikh God is formless, without gender and is to be found in everyone. One gets closer to God by living a good life and by practicing charity. Like Hindus, Sikhs believe in reincarnation and the law of karma; you reap what you sow in your previous life. Like Muslims, the Sikhs worship only one God.
One may recognize a Sikh man by his distinctive turban. All the 10 great Sikh gurus wore turbans. Sikh teaching mandates that a person not cut his or her hair. They worship their holy book, the Granth Sahib, which is a collection of hymns.
There are roughly the same number of Sikhs as there are Jews in the world, but Sikhs are most concentrated in Punjab, their homeland. However, you will find smaller numbers of Sikhs all over the world. Many of the best Indian restaurants in the West are owned and operated by Sikhs.
Most Lohar have difficulties with self-esteem. Their education level is low so the gospel will need to be given in oral form. They are in need of help with health matters.
Pray that gospel recordings will lead Sikh Lohar families to salvation.
Pray that Sikh Lohar council leaders come to Jesus Christ and lead others to him.
Pray that Lohars find that Jesus Christ gives them their sense of worth.
Pray that their work, education and health needs are met in such a way that God is glorified.
Scripture Prayers for the Lohar (Sikh traditions) in India.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
