Punjabi in Singapore

Introduction / History

The name "Punjabi" is used to describe both those who speak Punjabi and those who inhabit the Punjab region in India and Pakistan. Punjabi is an Indo-European language that is divided into six main dialects. Those who live in Singapore speak the Eastern Punjabi dialect.


Modern Punjabi culture was largely shaped by the partitioning of India and Pakistan in 1947. This event resulted in massive migrations that separated the Muslims from the Hindus and Sikhs. In general, the Muslim Punjabis live in Pakistan, while the Hindu or Sikhs are in India. One can also find Punjabi communities in nearly thirty other countries including Singapore.


The Sikhs first came to Singapore as policemen, soldiers and bodyguards. Others worked in the dairy industry or they owned small businesses. In 1924 the Sikh community established a halfway house for new immigrants to live until they became settled. Three years later they started a cricket club. The gurdwara, their place of worship, was central in establishing their community and meeting needs.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today Sikhs are a small minority in Singapore. In Singapore, as in most countries where they have settled, Punjabi people are employed in many different occupations. They excel as mechanics and work in construction. Others own businesses, large and small.


While the living conditions of the Punjabis differ greatly from country to country, they have retained much of their traditional culture and language. Though the language is still Punjabi, there are cultural differences between each of the three religious communities.


Among the diaspora Punjabis, newly married couples set up their homes wherever they choose. Parents arrange the marriages after extensive discussions.


Among the Punjabis, there is no overall system of social control. Instead, each institution (such as business, home, civil administration, religious organization, or political organization) has its own set of laws and disciplinary measures.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Punjabis in Singapore are Sikhs. Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that was founded in northern India during the sixteenth century. Its teachings have combined the elements of both Hinduism and Islam in an attempt to find one god who transcends all religious distinctions.

What Are Their Needs?

Though Singapore has freedom of religion, there are few if any Christian believers in that country.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Punjabi people in Singapore to have hearts that are open to the abundant blessings of Jesus Christ.


Pray for their families to prosper financially and spiritually as they experience a relationship with Jesus Christ.


Pray for a movement to Christ among the Punjabi people in Singapore that will spread joy, peace, and salvation.


Pray for the Punjabi culture to be renewed and enhanced by a work of the Holy Spirit and shaped into a God-centered and God-honoring mold.


Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among Punjabi family and community leaders to seek his face and enjoy his blessings.

Text Source:   Joshua Project