Singhalese are believed to be of Aryan descent. They migrated from India (Bengal, Odisha, and Gujarat) to Sri Lanka as early as the 6th century B.C. where they became known as Singhalese. The Singhalese King, court, and people converted to Indian Buddhism in the 2nd century B.C. Some remained in India while others have migrated there in recent decades. Many live either in New Delhi or Chennai.
The Sinhalese in India are often sent by the Sri Lankan government. Some work for banks.
Like Singhalese anywhere, those in India are Theravada Buddhist and the temple is the focal point of their activities. Besides the religious Wesak day (a Buddhist celebration of Buddha's enlightenment), the Singhalese Buddhist community also celebrates the New Year usually on 14th April. New Year's Day begins with lighting a lamp and placing it in a prominent position in the house and it is believed to drive away evil spirits. Certain foods are required, and it is believed that eating these foods on an auspicious day will bring one good fortune throughout the year. This custom is still practiced despite disbelief among people in their community today.
The Buddhist Sinhalese diaspora need the chance to find their way to Jesus Christ, who alone offers life to the full.
Pray for His kingdom to come and His will to be done among the Buddhist Sinhalese people in India.
Pray for a movement of Buddhist Sinhalese households to study the Bible and accept the blessings of Christ.
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will drive the Sinhalese people to the arms of Jesus.
Pray for workers who are filled with the fruit and the power of the Holy Spirit to go to the Sinhalese people in India.
Scripture Prayers for the Sinhalese in India.
Profile Source: Joshua Project |
People Name General | Sinhalese |
People Name in Country | Sinhalese |
Pronunciation |
sin-uh-LEEZE
|
Alternate Names | Cingalese; Singalese; Singhalese; Sinhala; सिनलीज़ |
Population this Country | 5,300 |
Population all Countries | 402,000 |
Total Countries | 17 |
Indigenous | No |
Progress Scale | 1 ● |
Unreached | Yes |
Frontier People Group | Yes |
Pioneer Workers Needed | 1 |
People ID | 14196 |
ROP3 Code | 109305 |
ROP25 Code | 307552 |
ROP25 Name | Sinhalese |
Country | India | |||||||||||||||
Region | Asia, South | |||||||||||||||
Continent | Asia | |||||||||||||||
10/40 Window | Yes | |||||||||||||||
National Bible Society | Website | |||||||||||||||
Persecution Rank | 11 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) | |||||||||||||||
Total States on file | 16 | |||||||||||||||
Largest States (only 15 largest shown) |
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Districts | Interactive map, listing and data download | |||||||||||||||
Specialized Website | South Asia Peoples |
Country | India |
Region | Asia, South |
Continent | Asia |
10/40 Window | Yes |
National Bible Society | Website |
Persecution Rank | 11 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) |
Total States | 16 |
Tamil Nadu 1,900 | |
Delhi 1,100 | |
Maharashtra 1,000 | |
Kerala 400 | |
Gujarat 300 | |
Andaman and Nicobar 100 | |
Andhra Pradesh 90 | |
Jharkhand 60 | |
West Bengal 60 | |
Puducherry 60 | |
Karnataka 50 | |
Himachal Pradesh 40 | |
Telangana 30 | |
Uttarakhand 30 | |
Chhattisgarh 20 | |
Website | South Asia Peoples |
Primary Religion: | Buddhism |
Major Religion ▲ | Percent * |
---|---|
Buddhism |
100.00 %
|
Christianity (Evangelical 0.00 %) |
0.00 %
|
Ethnic Religions |
0.00 %
|
Hinduism |
0.00 %
|
Islam |
0.00 %
|
Non-Religious |
0.00 %
|
Other / Small |
0.00 %
|
Unknown |
0.00 %
|
* From latest India census data. Current Christian values may substantially differ. |
Primary Language | Sinhala (5,300 speakers) |
Language Code | sin Ethnologue Listing |
Language Written | Yes ScriptSource Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
Primary Language | Sinhala (5,300 speakers) |
Language Code | sin Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
People Groups | Speaking Sinhala |
Primary Language: Sinhala
Bible Translation ▲ | Status (Years) |
---|---|
Bible-Portions | Yes (1739-1966) |
Bible-New Testament | Yes (1776-1991) |
Bible-Complete | Yes (1823-2009) |
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) | Online |
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) | Online |
Possible Print Bibles | |
---|---|
Amazon | |
World Bibles | |
Forum Bible Agencies | |
National Bible Societies | |
World Bible Finder | |
Virtual Storehouse |
Photo Source | Copyrighted © 2024 The Road Provides - Shutterstock All rights reserved. Used with permission |
Map Source | People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project |
Profile Source | Joshua Project |
Data Sources | Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more. |