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The head is to be covered and shoes are not worn in the Gurdwara.

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Sikh Religious Beliefs

Our belief is in one God, and in the teachings of the ten Gurus and the Granth Sahib.

The Origins of the Sikh religion

Sikhism originated in the Indian sub-continent and is now found mainly the Indian state of Punjab and in Pakistan.

Languages

Sikhs speak Punjabi and/or Hindu.

Our traditional greeting is “Sat Sri Akal”. This is sometimes said with hands together or with a hand shake.

The symbols of Sikhism

The symbols, known as the 5K’s of Sikhism are:

1. Kesh – Long Hair
2. Kangha – Comb
3. Kara – Steel Bracelet
4. Kirpan – Small Sword or Dagger
5. Kaccha – A special undergarment like shorts

Names

Sikh names are easily recognisable.

Most Sikh first names are gender-neutral; gender is indicated by the following name (ie ‘Singh’ or ‘Kaur’).

Men’s first names are followed by the title Singh (meaning lion) and women’s first names by Kaur (for females, both married and single, meaning princess) – regardless of whether the woman is married or single. These may be followed by the family name/surname and occasionally their profession.

Most but not all names are derived from the Guru Granth Sahib and in most cases describe God’s attributes and not ours (ie. immortal, infinite beauty, most intelligent, unfathomable, unapproachable, victorious, pure, ageless etc).

The meaning of a name may change depending on the context of use, and pronunciation can change the meaning.

Marriage

A woman takes her husband’s subcaste or family name (if one is used), eg Mrs Sandhu. When a man does not use a surname, then the woman is titled Mrs Kaur.

Weddings

The bridegroom and his party travel to either the bride’s house or hall or the Gurdwara, where they receive hospitality from the bride’s father. The couple are seated to the accompaniment of the chanting of hymns from the Gur-Granth sahib, which is kept under a canopy in front of them all. The bride’s father then gives his daughter to the groom and they are joined by a cloth or scarf, and proceed to walk around the Adi Granth four times, clockwise.

They then sit down again to receive the offerings and gifts of their guests, who go up to them to greet them and make the presentation of gifts. The wedding feast follows after which the couple go to the bridegroom’s house and the marriage is consummated.

Birth

When a mother has given birth she is to stay indoors for 40 days. When a Sikh child has reached one and a quarter months, it may be taken to the Gurdwara Sikh Temple, and there Amrit (Holy Water) is sprinkled. At that time a name is chosen for the child by opening the Adi Granth (First Book of Scriptures) at random, and taking first letter to start the names. The first letter having been decided, the rest of the name is chosen by the family.

Death

When a Sikh is dying, friends and relatives will gather at the bedside and recite parts of the Adi Granth. After death the body is washed and dressed in new clothes and then taken for cremation. The son or close relative starts the cremation. The next day they collect the bones/ashes and immerse them in a stream or river.

Dress

Traditionally Sikh women wear the Shalwar, Kameez and Dupatta as well as the Sari.

Sikh men are supposed to wear a turban and have a beard, however there are some who do not.

Diet

Although beef and halal meat are not eaten, other meats are generally permitted. Some Sikhs are lacto-vegetarian which means they cannot eat products which contain egg, fish or meat.

Celebrations

Sikhs celebrate the birthdays of the Gurus, as well as:

Baisakhi – founding of the Khalsa, Hindi festivals like Diwali.

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