Charismatic Christianity is having a little-known but significant growth in the Punjab region of India, the cradle and stronghold of Sikhism, according to Miroslav Atanasov of the University of Colorado. Although hard numbers are difficult to come by, the recent growth is significant enough to have concerned Sikh leaders about its effect on the stability of Sikhism. In a paper presented at the mid-August meeting of the Association for the Sociology of Religion in Chicago, which RW attended, Atanasov said that from 2011 to 2025 there has been an estimated 13 percent growth in Christianity in the Punjab region. Conversion to Christianity has become more widespread with the growth of inequality in the caste system, disappointment among Dalits, the agrarian crisis, and drug addiction in the north Punjab region. But Atanasov adds that even opponents of the Christian presence acknowledge the rapid growth of Christianity in the region. Much of the impetus for the Christian growth came from a Tamil evangelist visiting the region, as well as the influence of televangelists, such as Benny Hinn, and claims of miracles and healings.
Atanasov notes that this evangelical revival has worked within a Sikh context, with converts keeping their Sikh names and paraphernalia, such as the turban and the dagger. Often the church assemblies resemble gurdwaras, which are Sikh temples or congregations. The Christians have a significant presence on social media, especially YouTube, where they stream services, often from megachurches. From these online sources, Atanasov has counted some 65,000 pastors and missionaries, who are all converts. The most prominent church drawing such converts is the Church of Signs and Wonders in Jalandhar, which is said to be the largest church in Asia, under pastor Ankur Narula. Atanasov adds that even Hindus have joined the revival. Meanwhile, Punjabi political radicals welcome the Christian upsurge since they see it as challenging Hindu nationalism in India and the ruling BJP.
