Labana (Sikh traditions) in India

Introduction / History

The term Labana appears to have been derived from “lun” (salt) and “bana” (trade). Traditionally they were warriors and traders. They have their own dialect, Lubanki, which is a blend of Hindi, Punjabi, and other major South Asian languages. Most speak Eastern Punjabi. They live all over India, but they are concentrated in the state of Punjab, where Sikhism is dominant. In Punjab, most live in the Doaba regions and some reside the Puadh region.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Labanas have long been a community that carried and traded salt. During the colonial era, the British limited their trading opportunities, forcing many to become farmers, livestock herders, and entrepreneurs. The Labana have eleven clans.

The Labana are spread all over India and speak some 18 languages. It will take separate evangelistic efforts for each of these languages to reach them for Christ.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Labana are Sikhs, but there are also Hindu and Muslim communities of Labana in other parts of India. In India, a specific people group will be divided when some accept a different religion.

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.

What Are Their Needs?

Labana people have lost much of their earlier status, especially during colonial days. Status is very important in Indian society. They need to look to the God of Abraham for their sense of worth; he offers them status as children of the Living God if they would only accept the invitation.

Prayer Points

Pray that many youth among this people group will discover Christian videos and recordings, music, and broadcasts as they search the internet and listen to radio and television.
Pray they will listen and view with real understanding.
The Lord is calling many to himself; pray for them to answer this call.
Pray for bold and loving ambassadors of Christ to go to the Sikh Labana community.
Pray that soon Sikh Labanas will give Christ their all, and disciple others in a pure faith.

Text Source:   Joshua Project