People Group Profiles

“All nations will come and worship before you."

- Revelations 15:4

Punjabi Sikh of North America


People Group Info

Total Population: 860,000

ROP3 Code: 114456
IMB Affinity Group: South Asian Peoples
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
People Cluster: Jat
Language: Panjabi - (pan)
Religion: Other Religions - Sikhism
Country of Origin: India

Photo courtesy of Joshua Project.
By COMIBAM / Sepal

Majority Located Where

  Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA - 159,910

  Toronto (Mississauga, Brampton), ON - 159,910

  Vancouver (Surrey), BC - 155,945

  New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY - 80,000

  San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA - 40,000

Click here to recommend other locations where this People Group resides.

Learn More

Brief Profile

The Punjabi people are forever linked to the influence of Sikhism. The Punjabi language was actually derived from the 10 Sikh gurus of Sikhism. Punjabi men wear salwar kamiz or shalwars which is a long tunic and wide trousers. The colors of the shalwar and tunic are important to Punjabi. They usually match and are color coordinated to a certain degree. The men also wear turbans on their head.

Men should not make direct eye contact or touch women in this culture. This communicates disrespect and impure intentions with that woman. Men also should not give gifts directly to a woman. When visiting a house, if a man giving a gift to a woman should state it is from another woman, such as one's wife.

The word ‘Sikh’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Shishya’ which means disciple. They believe that the gurus are God’s messengers and directed by Him. They word in a Gurdwara which is a Punjabi word that means “Gateway to the Guru”.

Prayer Points

  • Pray God will working in the lives of Punjabi people to understand and receive the message of God's free gift of salvation.
  • Pray God will work via dreams and evangelical Christians to understand the message of Jesus Christ.
  • Pray Christians will take the initiative to form relationships with Punjabi sharing the message of Christ through their lifestyle and word.


People Group Resources

Bible.is - Panjabi
The written Bible in Punjabi and other languages.

Eyes of the Heart
This movie in Panjabi features the love of Jesus shown to a Sikh family in need through their believing neighbors, helping them see their difficulties through spiritual eyes.

Following Jesus - Punjabi Sikh
An evangelistic video focused on Punjabi Sikhs.

Jesus Film in Panjabi
JESUS Film streaming or downloadable movie in Panjabi.

Jesus Film Project - Magdalena in Panjabi
Punjabi version of the Mary Magdalena film. Very powerful among women.

Satsung of the Sadguru Jesus
An evangelistic film focused on Punjabi Sikhs gathering to learn about Jesus.

Who Can Help You?
Music video in Punjabi pointing to answers in Jesus.


Learning Resources

Learn more about "Learning Paths"
Online Courses for embracing, encountering and engaging diaspora people. Work at your own pace. Begin anytime and complete the course according to your schedule. Interactive, Hands-On Application.

Learn more about "Reaching the Nations"
This book delineates five disciplines Christians should develop in order to effectively reach the nations. More specifically, it will guide Christians to develop an engagement strategy in their locale.

World Religions - Beliefs Overview
An overview of major world religions and cults - their beliefs and practices.


Other Resources

Prayer Guide for Unreached Peoples
A 30 day guide to pray for unreached people groups.

Online Talking Bible - Punjabi
The purpose of Talking Bibles is to give non-readers and the blind access to the Bible in their native language.

Prayer Guide using the GOSPELS acronym
A prayer guide that utilizes the acronym GOSPELS to pray for workers among diaspora.

Displaying 1-19 of 19 results.
Country City Metro Area Name State / Prov. Baseline Population
United StatesMillbournePhiladelphia-Camden-WilmingtonPA159,910
United StatesBramptonToronto (Mississauga, Brampton)ON159,910
CanadaSurreyVancouver (Surrey)BC155,945
United StatesQueensNew York-Newark-Jersey CityNY80,000
United StatesFremontSan Francisco-Oakland-HaywardCA40,000
United StatesCalgaryCalgaryAB30,420
CanadaAbbotsfordAbbotsford - MissionBC28,235
United StatesEdmontonEdmontonAB20,425
United StatesKentSeattle-Tacoma-BellevueVA20,000
United StatesYuba CityYuba City-MarysvilleCA15,000
United StatesChicagoChicago-Naperville-ElginIL11,250
CanadaWinnipegWinnipegMB9,885
United StatesMontrealMontreal (Laval)QC9,205
United StatesFairfaxWashington-Arlington-AlexandriaVA8,618
United StatesHoustonHouston-The Woodlands-Sugar LandTX7,000
United StatesAlpharettaAtlanta-Sandy Springs-RoswellGA6,445
CanadaHamiltonHamilton (Burlington)ON5,920
United StatesDallasDallas-Fort Worth-ArlingtonTX5,815
United StatesLos AngelesLos Angeles-Long Beach-AnaheimCA32