Introduction / History

Lobanas (or Labana) are a tribe which lives all over the nation of India. It appears to be possibly appropriate to regard the Lobanas as a sub-division of the large Banjara tribe, forming one of their principal sub-castes. Labanas have their own language called Lubanki which is only spoken by Labanas outside the Punjab State of India. Many believe that Lobanas are of Turkish origin and that is why they are also called Banjaras. During travel they had to set up business ventures on their way. The term Lobana appears to have been derived from LUN (salt) and the BANA (trade). The Lobanas were the salt-carrying and salt-trading community. Locally, they were known by different names in parts of the Punjab. There are a couple other views of their origin. In Ludhiana and Jhang Districts, the Labanas claimed to be the descendants of Chauhan Rajputs. A good number of them traced their origin from Gaur Brahmins who came to the Punjab from Ranthambore in Aurangzeb's reign.

What Are Their Lives Like?

As time went on, the Labana Sikhs capitalized on their trading skills and their upward mobility. Now there are wealthy land-owning Labana Sikhs. You can see them throughout India, though most reside in Punjab. Some have moved to Western countries, where they manage businesses.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Lobana people practice different religions. Most Lobana are Sikhs. Sikhism originated from a 15th century teacher named Guru Nanak Dev. He rejected the Hindu caste system, taught all people were equal and that all have equal access to God. The Sikh God is formless, genderless 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. A Sikh is not permitted to use alcohol, tobacco or any illegal drugs. 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.

What Are Their Needs?

The Lobana need to understand that Jesus is not just another guru. He is the Son of God who can forgive their sins and grant them eternal life.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to give the Lobana a hunger for the Word of God and a desire to investigate the claims of Christ. Pray for a disciple making movement among the Labana people this decade. Pray for the Lord to send out workers to the Sikh Labana people.

Scripture Prayers for the Labana (Sikh traditions) in India.