Sikhism

Sikhism is India’s fourth largest religion and has existed for more tan 500 years,
beginning with the birth of its founder, Guru Nanak.
The Sikhs are predominantly located in Punjab (although they are also present in many
other parts of India). Actually, Punjab is the only Indian state wher they are in majority.
Sikhs amount to nearly 2% of India’s total population.
Although the Sikh community is not very big, it occupies a significant place in the
country: almost every council of Ministers in India has included Sikh representatives;
they are conspicuous in the Indian army and the Indian Air Force; they have always
been prominent in sports; some of them systematically occupy important official
positions; they can be very good businessmen.
The Sikh have often been called “the Sword Arm of India.”
Gurdwara = Sikh place of worship. But remember: Sikhism does not support
pilgrimage to holy sites, as they believe that God is everywhere and not in any certain
place.
The Golden Temple = a prominent Sikh Gurdwara in Punjab.
Langar = the communal meal
Sikhism emphasises community services and helping the needy. One of the
distinct features of Sikhism is the common kitchen that you can find in every
Gurdwara. This communal kitchen is called Langar. Every Sikh is supposed to
contribute to preparing a communal meal in this kitchen. Sikhism does not
believe in holding fasts (the body is God’s present to the human being), unless
fasting is done to improve the human body (think of healthy diets, for example).
Gury Nanak = founder of Sikhism and the first Sikh Guru.
The last Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, passed the Guruship of the Sikhs to the Eleventh
and Eternal Guru of the Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib.
Khalsa = the entire group of people who have decided to follow the way of life laid
down by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru.
Main (male) Sikh features:
Uncut hair (kesh): Men never cut their hair, which is thus covered with a turban
to keep it clean and manageable.
Wooden comb (kanga): for the maintenance and ongoing upkeep of uncut hair.
Steel bracelet (kara): it symbolises their unbreakable bond with God.
Cotton underwear (kachhera): naturally comfortable attire reflective of modesty
and control. A sign of a soldier, ever ready, dignified and highly mobile.
Small sword (kirpan): they must use it to protect the weak and needy and for
self-defence. Never to be used in anger.