Explores the world of Sikhism and covers its art, teachers, beliefs, traditions and festivals
Sikhism in India follows Pulkit and her family in the Punjab. Join her as she makes flower garlands, celebrates Guru Nanak's birthday, and helps to make Langar, a feast at the Gurdwara.
A visit to a gurdwara is an excellent introduction to the Sikh religion. Practices at the gurdwara show the key Sikh beliefs that all people are equal before the one God and that it is every Sikh's duty to serve others. Children find out about the Guru Granth Sahib and how Sikhs respect it as their teacher.
A Year of Festivals introduces the main religious festivals as they occur through the year. The books include prayers, songs, quotations from religious writings, colourful photographs and fun activities to bring the festivals to life and help children join in the celebrations.
This book introduces the reader to the festival of Baisakhi and explores how one child and her family celebrate it. The book includes panels to show how people around the world celebrate Baisakhi and a Baisakhi recipe for you to try yourself.
In My Sikh Community Jasveer Kaur Deogan tells us what it is like to live in her neighbourhood in Birmingham and what being a Sikh means to her.
Guru Granth Sahib
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The Sikh Scripture is called 'Guru Granth Sahib'. It is a collection of teachings and writings by Guru Nanak and other Gurus as well as Sikh, Hindu and Muslim saints. The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, said that after him there would be no other living gurus. Instead, Sikhs could look at their holy book for guidance. This is why Sikhs call their holy book a Guru.
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Sikhs display their commitment to their beliefs by wearing the Sikh articles of faith. The five articles of faith start with the "k" alphabet in Punjabi, and are thereby referred to as the 5 K's.
Sikhism is one of the world’s youngest religions being founded just over 500 years ago. Despite being so young, it is the fifth largest religion in the world with over 20 million followers. Sikhism is not derived from any other religion. The word 'Sikh' in the Punjabi language means 'disciple', Sikhs are the disciples of God who follow the writings and teachings of the Ten Sikh Gurus.
Sikhs believe in one God who guides and protects them. They believe everyone is equal before God. Sikhs believe that your actions are important and you should lead a good life. They believe the way to do this is:
Guru Nanak
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The Sikh faith was founded by Guru Nanak (1469-1539) and shaped by his nine successors in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries in South Asia. Guru means "Teacher".
The Harimandir, or Golden Temple, in Amritsar, India
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A Sikh temple is called a Gurdwara (meaning "the house of Guru"). It is the place of worship in the Sikh religion. Birth, death, baptism and marriage ceremonies are held in the temple. When a person enters the temple, their head must be covered. There are no chairs in the temple so people sit on the floor.
A Sikh leader reads from the Adi Granth.
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The Guru Granth Sahib is kept under a special canopy in the Gurdwara. Sikhs take off their shoes in the presence of the holy scriptures and also never turn their back on them. As the scriptures are being read, the reader or an attendant will periodically wave a chauri, a ceremonial whisk which is made from the tail hair of a white horse or yak set in a wooden or silver handle, over the scriptures, as a sign of respect.
The Khanda, the symbol of Sikhism
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It is made up of:
Horseback riding during Hola Mohalla
The major festivals that Sikhs celebrate include:
Vasakhi
Vaisakhi is one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar. Taking place on the 13 or 14 April every year, it commemorates the setting up of the order of the Khalsa brotherhood as the Sikh way of life.
Guru Nanak Gurpurab
Guru Nanak Gurpurab is a festival celebrating the birthday of Guru Nanak, the founder of Skihism. It falls in November or December each year.
Hola Mohalla
Hola Mohalla is a Sikh festival that usually falls in March. Together the words “Hola Mohalla” stand for “mock fight.” Hence, this festival is an occasion for the Sikhs to demonstrate their martial skills in simulated battles.
Volunteers also known as sevadars, preparing food at Gurdwara Sahib Seremban, Malaysia.
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Although Skihs are not vegetarians, they are taught that humanity should be kind to animals and not use them for greed or exploitation. Hence, It is up to each individual to decide if meat will be included in their diet or not.
When consuming meat, there is only one rule for Skihs - if meat is to be consumed, it should be from an animal that has been killed instantly with one stroke.
In the gurdwara, only vegetarian meals are prepared and served for consumption. This is to allow anyone and everyone to partake in a meal.