Sikhism 1. Sikhism is about 500 years old. It was founded By Guru Nanak Deviji in the Punjab (now part of Pakistan). The first guru was followed by 9 successors. Sikhs believe in one god, the teachings of the 10 gurus and the Gura Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book. 2. Sikhs must wear the Panj Kakke or 5 Ks. The 5Ks are: Kesh uncut – hair covered by a scarf or Turban; Kangha a comb to keep the hair tidy; – Kara a steel bracelet; Kirpan a small sword for self protection or to – – protect others who cannot protect themselves and Kachera undergarments – similar to shorts. Some Sikhs dress according to these 5 Ks and women often wear a sari or shalwar, kameez and chadar (a long wide scarf) although they do not have to wear a veil. However, some Sikhs have adopted western dress code. 3. Many Sikhs are vegetarians; those who are not are prohibited from eating halal meat. For orthodox Sikhs, intoxicants are strictly forbidden. Traditional arranged marriages are in decline although it remains commonplace for potential partners to be introduced by family members. 4. The Sikh place of worship is known as a Gurdwara; shoes must be removed and heads covered. 5. Significant holy days are: a. Vaisakhi (13 April) New day in the Punjab (a fixed date – Year’s based in the lunar calendar). b. Diwali festival of lights held at the start of winter – commemorating the self sacrifice of Haur Govind against Moghul rule. c. Guru birthday the birthday of the first guru held in Nanak’s – November. d. Hola Mohala a 3-day festival held in spring with displays of – physical strength and Martial Arts activities.
Sikhism 1. Sikhism is about 500 years old. It was founded By Guru Nanak Deviji in the Punjab (now part of Pakistan). The first guru was followed by 9 successors. Sikhs believe in one god, the teachings of the 10 gurus and the Gura Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book. 2. Sikhs must wear the Panj Kakke or 5 Ks. The 5Ks are: Kesh – uncut hair covered by a scarf or Turban; Kangha – a comb to keep the hair tidy; Kara – a steel bracelet; Kirpan – a small sword for self protection or to protect others who cannot protect themselves and Kachera – undergarments similar to shorts. Some Sikhs dress according to these 5 Ks and women often wear a sari or shalwar, kameez and chadar (a long wide scarf) although they do not have to wear a veil. However, some Sikhs have adopted western dress code. 3. Many Sikhs are vegetarians; those who are not are prohibited from eating halal meat. For orthodox Sikhs, intoxicants are strictly forbidden. Traditional arranged marriages are in decline although it remains commonplace for potential partners to be introduced by family members. 4. The Sikh place of worship is known as a Gurdwara; shoes must be removed and heads covered. 5. Significant holy days are: a. Vaisakhi (13 April) – New Year’s day in the Punjab (a fixed date based in the lunar calendar). b. Diwali – festival of lights held at the start of winter commemorating the self sacrifice of Haur Govind against Moghul rule. c. Guru Nanak’s birthday – the birthday of the first guru held in November. d. Hola Mohala – a 3-day festival held in spring with displays of physical strength and Martial Arts activities.
ACP-002.docx