Indian Jain Community in Birmingham

Where they come from

Jainism is an ancient Indian faith that teaches ahimsa, non-violence towards all living beings. Most Jain families in Britain have roots in Gujarat, and many came via East Africa in the 1960s and 1970s. Jains in Birmingham include professionals, business owners and families.

The community in numbers

At the 2021 Census, out of a city population of 1,144,919, 185 residents gave their religion as Jain.

Working for Birmingham

Jain families are well represented in pharmacy, medicine, accountancy, business and retail, and the community is known for its honesty in business and its generosity to charity. Jain professionals serve patients and customers across the city.

Healthcare, education and the skilled trades are three of the pillars of the city's economy. The NHS is one of Birmingham's biggest employers, its universities teach tens of thousands of students, and there is steady demand for electricians, plumbers, carpenters, decorators and handymen in every neighbourhood, alongside business, transport, hospitality, retail and the city's growing digital and creative industries. People from every background keep these sectors running, and the Indian Jain community shares in that effort.

Culture and community life

Paryushan, a festival of fasting and forgiveness, is the most important time of the year, and Mahavir Jayanti celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavira. Jains follow a strict vegetarian diet, often avoiding root vegetables, and their commitment to caring for animals and the environment is admired.

For anyone who wants to learn more, the best introduction is the simplest one: say hello. Birmingham's communities are at their best when they meet, share food and learn from one another, and the Indian Jain community is a warm part of that everyday exchange.