+2
+2
People cluster
Sonar
Unreached
0%
Evangelicals
Who they are
The Sonars are a Hindu caste, that is, a group of families who, by tradition, are born into a trade and marry within their own group. The Sonars’ trade is that of goldsmith, those who make jewelry: for many generations they have worked gold and silver, making necklaces, earrings, bracelets and ornaments for weddings and festivals. The name comes from sona, a word that means gold in Hindi.
They number more than 9 million people, almost all in northern and central India, in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, with smaller communities in Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. They speak the language of the region where they live, such as Hindi. Many still have workshops and jewelry shops; others are now teachers, traders or civil servants.
The Sonars are devout Hindus. Family, religious festivals and wedding rituals hold a central place in life, and jewelry plays an important part in these celebrations. There are almost no Christians among them, and many have never heard of Jesus in a clear way.
Where they are still unreached
5
Countries
9.3M
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
India
|
98.6%
|
9.176.800 |
Nepal
|
0.8%
|
72.000 |
Pakistan
|
0.4%
|
33.000 |
Bangladesh
|
0.2%
|
16.000 |
Sri Lanka
|
0.1%
|
6.800 |
The 18 peoples in this cluster
+2
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
May the Sonars come to know Jesus, the treasure of greatest worth, more precious than gold.
For goldsmith families whose work has been hurt by factory-made jewelry and the rising price of gold.
May Indian Christians build sincere friendships with Sonar families in their towns and markets.
For young Sonars who study and work far from home, that they may find the Word of God.
May the Bible and materials in Hindi and in local languages reach Sonar homes.
For the first Sonars who follow Jesus, that they may be strong and well received by their families.