Chhipa (Sikh traditions) in India

The Chhipa (Sikh traditions) have only been reported in India
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian *
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* Data can be from various sources including official census, agencies, and local research. Data from these sources can sometimes differ even by orders of magnitude. Joshua Project attempts to present a conservative, balanced estimate.

Subgroups: 1

Subgroup Name Population
Tank 74,000

Introduction / History

The Chhipa are a traditional artisan community found mainly in northern and western India, with historical connections to textile printing, dyeing, tailoring, and fabric decoration. The name "Chhipa" is commonly associated with cloth-printing occupations that were passed down through family lines over many generations. This particular community identifies with Sikh traditions, reflecting the strong religious and cultural influence of Sikhism in regions such as Punjab and neighboring areas.



Historically, artisan groups like the Chhipa contributed significantly to local economies through skilled handwork and textile production. Their craftsmanship became closely tied to regional trade and village life. Over time, industrial manufacturing and urbanization changed many traditional occupations, leading some Chhipa families into factory work, transportation, retail business, or other modern forms of employment. Even with these changes, community identity, family loyalty, and religious tradition continue to shape much of daily life.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Many Chhipa families live in towns, villages, and growing urban areas where they participate in a variety of occupations. Some remain involved in tailoring, cloth work, or small business activity, while others work in transportation, agriculture, labor, retail, or factory employment. Family networks are often close, and relatives frequently support one another financially and socially.

Meals commonly include flatbreads, rice, lentils, vegetables, and Punjabi regional foods. Community life is often centered around family gatherings, weddings, religious observances, and festivals that reinforce social relationships and cultural continuity. Hospitality and respect for elders remain important values in many households.

Education and economic opportunities vary widely. Some families have benefited from urban growth and improved access to schooling, while others continue to face financial instability and limited advancement opportunities. Younger generations increasingly encounter pressures from modernization, migration, and changing cultural expectations while trying to maintain traditional family and religious identity.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Chhipa who follow Sikh traditions generally identify with Sikhism and participate in religious practices connected to the teachings of the Sikh Gurus and the Guru Granth Sahib. Worship and community life often revolve around the gurdwara, where prayer, teaching, and communal meals play important roles. Sikh festivals and religious observances help reinforce identity and tradition within the community.

At the same time, some families may also retain cultural customs and folk beliefs rooted in regional traditions. In parts of South Asia, outward religious practice can exist alongside superstitions, ritual customs, or beliefs concerning blessings, curses, and spiritual protection. These influences can create confusion about biblical truth and salvation through Jesus Christ alone.

Those who become followers of Christ may experience social pressure or rejection from relatives and the surrounding community. Believers need strong biblical discipleship, fellowship, and encouragement so their faith is grounded firmly in Scripture rather than cultural or religious tradition.


What Are Their Needs?

The Chhipa need greater access to the gospel through faithful Christian witness, Scripture, and discipleship that clearly presents the person and work of Jesus Christ. Many have little direct exposure to biblical Christianity and need opportunities to hear and understand the gospel in culturally meaningful ways.

Believers from Sikh-background communities often need support, mature leadership, and strong fellowship because following Christ can bring family tension or social isolation. Local churches equipped with sound biblical teaching are essential for long-term spiritual growth.

Practical needs may also include stable employment, educational opportunities, healthcare access, and guidance for younger generations navigating rapid cultural and economic change. Compassionate Christian ministry that demonstrates both truth and love can help build trust and open doors for lasting gospel witness.


Prayer Items

Pray that the Chhipa people following Sikh traditions would come to understand the gospel clearly and place their faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.
Pray that believers among the Chhipa would grow in biblical maturity, courage, and faithfulness as they follow Christ in the midst of social and family pressures.
Pray that the Chhipa would be adopted through the People Group Adoption program so that sustained prayer, discipleship, and future gospel engagement would continue among them.
Pray that Christian workers serving among the Chhipa would demonstrate Christlike compassion, build meaningful relationships, and faithfully proclaim the truth of God's Word.


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


References

https://peoplegroups.org/explore/GroupDetails.aspx?peid=43612
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Sikhism
https://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences-and-law/anthropology-and-archaeology/people/chhipa
https://www.ethnologue.com/


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Chhipa (Sikh traditions)
People Name in Country Chhipa (Sikh traditions)
Pronunciation chee-PAH
Alternate Names Bhavsar; Rangari; Rohilla; Tank Kshatriya; च्चिपा (सिख ट्रेडिशन्स)
Population this Country 126,000
Population all Countries 126,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached Yes
Frontier Yes
Unengaged Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 3
PeopleID3 18062
ROP3 Code 113561
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 12  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States on file 7
Largest States
Punjab
116,000
Haryana
4,900
Chandigarh
3,300
Delhi
1,100
Rajasthan
600
Himachal Pradesh
300
Maharashtra
60
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 12  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States 7
  Punjab 116,000
  Haryana 4,900
  Chandigarh 3,300
  Delhi 1,100
  Rajasthan 600
  Himachal Pradesh 300
  Maharashtra 60
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Sikhism
Major Religion Estimated Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Judaism
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Sikhism
100.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Punjabi, Eastern (101,000 speakers)
Ethnologue Language Code pan
Ethnologue Language Familly Indo-European
Glottolog Language Family Indo-European
Written / Published Yes   (ScriptSource Listing)
Total Languages 5
Secondary Languages
Hindi
16,000
Haryanvi
300
Wagdi
100
Bilaspuri
20
Primary Language Punjabi, Eastern (101,000 speakers)
Ethnologue Language Code pan
Ethnologue Language Familly Indo-European
Glottolog Language Family Indo-European
Written / Published Yes   (ScriptSource Listing)
Total Languages 5
Secondary Languages
  Hindi 16,000
  Haryanvi 300
  Wagdi 100
  Bilaspuri 20

Primary Language:  Punjabi, Eastern

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1818-1954)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1815-2011)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1959-2021)
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YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Audio Recordings DAVAR Partners recording, complete Bible DAVAR Partners International
Audio Recordings Online Audio Scripture Talking Bibles
Film / Video Following Jesus video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video God's Story video God's Story
Film / Video Indigitube.tv Video / Animation Create International
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Punjabi, Eastern Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Magdalena video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Story of Jesus for Children Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Tetelestai:  Creation to Christ Light in Action
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Bible in text or audio or video Internet Publishing Sevice
General Bible in text or audio or video South Asia Bibles
General Biblical answers to your questions Got Questions Ministry
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
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General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
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General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
General Zume Resources Zume Project
General Zume Training Zume Project
Mobile App Android Bible app direct APK download SIL
Mobile App Android Bible App: Punjabi Bible (ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਬਾਈਬਲ) Indian Revised Version (IRV) Operation Agape
Mobile App Android Bible app: Punjabi, Eastern YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible Radio app: Punjabi Bible Radio Shalom Design S2dio
Mobile App Android Book Reading app: Open Bible Stories (Punjabi) Shalom Design S2dio
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Punjabi, Eastern YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App iOS Bible Radio App: Punjabi Bible Radio iOS Revive India
Text / Printed Matter Children and youth resources One Hope
Text / Printed Matter Download scripture in this language eBible.org
Text / Printed Matter Literacy primer for Punjabi, Eastern Literacy & Evangelism International
Text / Printed Matter Topical Scripture booklets and Bible studies World Missionary Press
Photo Source (Representative photo)
Sunil Chhipa Bagru - Wikimedia  Creative Commons 
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.