Introduction / History

The name of the community is derived from the word sona meaning gold, and the people who work with gold are called Sunar or Sonar. Traditionally they were goldsmiths, but with the availability of better educational facilities the Sonar have become inclined towards higher education leading to other lines of work. They claim their social status next to that of the Brahmin, but other communities might not agree. However, those who own jewelry stores are usually very wealthy. Most Sonar Sikhs live in Punjab, Haryana and Delhi although they also live in other parts of India. They speak Punjabi and Hindi and read and write in Gurmukhi.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Known for their work with gold and silver, the Sonars produce elaborate jewelry and ornaments, using precious and semi-precious stones. Others cut and polish diamonds. Typically, the Sonars own their own jewelry stores. Sonar gold jewelry is greatly sought after for weddings in India. Other Sonars are effective money-managers, wisely investing and saving money. Some wealthier Sonars become money lenders. They allow people to divorce and re-marry. Both sons and daughters inherit the property in the same amounts when the father dies, and the oldest son becomes the family head.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though most Sonars are Hindu, there are Sikhs among them. Sikhs believe in one supreme God and they have their own holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, which is mainly a collection of hymns of praise to God. The name of a Sikh child is given by them after reciting of the Sikh religious texts. In Haryana, Sikh marriages are performed around the Guru Granth Sahib which is the main religious literature of Sikhism.

What Are Their Needs?

Like all other people groups, the Sonars need the opportunity to become the children of the king of Kings and lord of Lords.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Sikh Sonar community to be humble enough to acknowledge their need for forgiveness of sin, and that they understand the only provision for forgiveness that God has provided. Pray for intercessors and workers to faithfully serve the Sikh Sonar community. Pray for a powerful disciple making movement among the Sikh Sonar community.

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