Sikhism

Background
Sikhism dates back about 528 years and was started by Guru Nanak in the Punjab area of India. Sikhs have ten gurus and believe in one God who is present in all people. World-wide there are about 20 million adherents, of whom around 500,000 live in the United Kingdom. The main religious text is 'Guru Granth Sahib'.

Fundamental beliefs
Guru Nanak was the first of 10 Gurus who established the Sikh religion. God is believed to be 'nirankar' (formless) and 'akal' eternal. God is present in all creation and enlightenment is achieved through meditation and truthful living. Attachment to the world causes bondage. Liberation from reincarnation is achieved through God's grace. The Sikh community is called the 'Khalsa', the temple 'Gurdwara'. Amritsar, in India is where the Golden Temple, the holiest of the Sikh shrines, is situated and is the world religious focus point.

Rites and observances
The Gurdwara is open to all and everyone is welcome to eat in the 'Langar' (communal kitchen). Main services or worship are held on Sundays. Before entering the Gurdwara, shoes are removed, hands washed and heads covered. The Guru Granth Sahib is central to worship with Sikhs offering food and money to the enshrined scripture, after bowing as a sign of reverence. Singing is important to worship, as is the reciting of the 'Ardas' or prayers. Young Sikhs are initiated into the community around the age of fourteen.

The Five Ks
The five 'Ks' denote devoutness.
1. Uncut hair(Kesh).
2. Comb to hold hair Kangha).
3. Sword (Kirpan).
4. Steel bangle (Kara).
5. Breeches (Kachh).

A baptised Sikh must wear the five Ks and a turban. The carrying of a 3ft sword is a redundant practice in Britain, reserved for special religious occasions. It is sometimes replaced by the carrying of a 9' sword beneath the outer clothing. Regular worship takes place at home, including daily personal and family recitation of passages from scripture.

Major Festivals

Guru Gobind Singh's birth date- December/January.
Guru Nanak's birthdate- October/November.
Baisakhi April 13.
Diwali-November
Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev.-June
Martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadurr November.

Social life
Arranged marriages are common. Some Sikh families follow the practice of dowries. Extended family units are usual. Women have full equality.

Diet taboos and social etiquette
Most Sikhs are vegetarian and abstain from alcohol and smoking. If they eat meat, it will normally be chicken, lamb or pork. The meat must not be 'Halal'. Dairy products are permissible. Some Sikh homes have a room set aside for devotion. Upon entering, shoes must be removed and heads should be covered.

Dress
Some Sikh women wear a 'Shalwar' and 'Khameez' (loose trousers with a top and scarf).

Forms of address
Sikh names are usually 'Singh' (lion) for males and 'Kaur' (princess) for females. The personal name is first, the middle name is the religious name and the. family name is last. Family names are not necessarily used as they denote caste, which Sikhs prefer to avoid. 'Kaur' and 'Singh' may often be used as surnames. Upon marriage, a woman may take her husband's family name or may call herself 'Mrs Kaur'. Other Sikh women may take the husband's name and call themselves 'Singh'. Sikhs may be prepared to use the family name, where authorities prefer not to have extensive lists of people with the same name. Mr, Mrs and Miss are equivalent to Sirdar, Sirdani and Bibi.