Nai (Sikh traditions) in India

The word “Nai” means “barber.” The traditional occupation of the Nai was hair cutting. Today most Nai are no longer barbers, but rather doctors, engineers, farmers, teachers, drivers, businesspeople and government workers. They are a hard-working, disciplined people. Sikh Nais live in rural villages as well as in urban areas. The Sikhs are one of the most educated and prosperous religious communities in India. Sikh Nais marry within their group. Families arrange marriages with the input of the young people. Sons inherit the property of their father. Newly wedded couples often live near or with the groom's parents. A caste council promotes their interests and deals with outsiders. Most of the Sikh Nai live in the north Indian state of Punjab where there are thousands of Sikh background believers who can take the loving savior to them.

Ministry Obstacles

There are no known believers among the Sikh Nai, and there is very much social pressure to remain in their traditional Sikh religion.

Scripture Focus

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."  Psalm 139:13-14

Scripture Prayer

Pray that this people group will understand and embrace that they are created by God, and that His ways are marvelous!

Prayer Focus

Ask the Lord to send Sikh background believers to the Nai to tell them about Jesus Christ. Pray for a spiritual hunger among the Sikh Nai that will lead them to the God of the Bible. Pray that a soon coming movement to Christ would bless the Sikh Nai.