Place of Worship:
Temples: There are over 200 Gurdwaras (temples, shrines or holy places) in India alone. The most sacred is Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple, at Amritsar. However, all places where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib is installed are equally holy.
"How to" guide:
Sikhs often recite parts of the Siri Guru Granth Sahib daily and for before/after certain activities. The part of the Guru Granth Sahib depends on the activity and is supposed to strengthen faith.
Embrace charity. Charity is very important to Sikhs who balance charity along with work and worship. Charity is part of the Sikh belief in defending others and that can also mean defending others from poverty.
Become a vegetarian. Vegetarianism has long been embraced by Sikhs who have a great respect for animals, however Sikhs are not bound to vegetarianism, orthodox Sikhs agree that ritually slaughtered meat or Kosher/Halal is forbidden. When Sikhs attend a Gurdwara only vegetarian food is served. Whether a Sikh is vegetarian can also depend upon what traditions or region he or she are from.
Embrace charity. Charity is very important to Sikhs who balance charity along with work and worship. Charity is part of the Sikh belief in defending others and that can also mean defending others from poverty.
Become a vegetarian. Vegetarianism has long been embraced by Sikhs who have a great respect for animals, however Sikhs are not bound to vegetarianism, orthodox Sikhs agree that ritually slaughtered meat or Kosher/Halal is forbidden. When Sikhs attend a Gurdwara only vegetarian food is served. Whether a Sikh is vegetarian can also depend upon what traditions or region he or she are from.
Dress, clothing, symbols, icons:
The Five K's: These are clothing practices followed by stricter Sikhs, called Khalsa saints:
Worship: Sikhs are prohibited from worshiping idols, images, or icons.
The Khanda is the main Sikh symbol. It is composed of four items, all traditional Sikh weapons:
A vertical double edged sword with a broad blade, also called a Khanda.
Two curved swords, called kirpans. They are called miri and piri, after the names given to his personal kirpans by Guru Hargobind.
A ring called a chakker (aka chakram). It is a very effective weapon, with a range of up to 50 meters (165 feet). This has been popularized in North America by the television series Xena the Warrior Princess.
The khanda has been interpreted symbolically in many ways. one is:
"The Sikh emblem, Khanda, contains a ring of steel representing the Unity of God, a two edged sword symbolizing God's concern for truth and justice, and two crossed swords curved around the outside to signify God's spiritual power."
- Kesa (long hair, which is never cut). This term is sometimes used to refer to the turban that is used to cover the hair.
- Kangah (comb)
- Kacha (short pants)
- Kara (metal bracelet)
- Kirpan (a ceremonial dagger)
Worship: Sikhs are prohibited from worshiping idols, images, or icons.
The Khanda is the main Sikh symbol. It is composed of four items, all traditional Sikh weapons:
A vertical double edged sword with a broad blade, also called a Khanda.
Two curved swords, called kirpans. They are called miri and piri, after the names given to his personal kirpans by Guru Hargobind.
A ring called a chakker (aka chakram). It is a very effective weapon, with a range of up to 50 meters (165 feet). This has been popularized in North America by the television series Xena the Warrior Princess.
The khanda has been interpreted symbolically in many ways. one is:
"The Sikh emblem, Khanda, contains a ring of steel representing the Unity of God, a two edged sword symbolizing God's concern for truth and justice, and two crossed swords curved around the outside to signify God's spiritual power."
Food and Drink:
Sikhs do not believe in ritual killing and are told to refrain from eating meat (halal and kosher) killed by such rites.
Sikhs are expected to be active and alert and are therefore required to refrain from alcohol and drugs; not on the grounds of impurity but mental and physical fitness.
Because of influences of the sub continent social environment, some Sikhs will not eat beef; others will not eat pork and others will be vegetarians. Because of such varieties and sensitivities all food served in a gurdwara (Sikh place of worship) is vegetarian.
Sikhs are expected to be active and alert and are therefore required to refrain from alcohol and drugs; not on the grounds of impurity but mental and physical fitness.
Because of influences of the sub continent social environment, some Sikhs will not eat beef; others will not eat pork and others will be vegetarians. Because of such varieties and sensitivities all food served in a gurdwara (Sikh place of worship) is vegetarian.
Holiday and special days:
Vaisakhi-April 14th, is like a Thanksgiving
Hola Maholla-March 26, is a Sikh festival which begins on the first day of the lunar month of Chett most often falls in March, and sometimes coincides with the Sikh New Year. The event lasts for a week, and consists of camping out and enjoying various displays of fighting prowess and bravery.
Hola Maholla-March 26, is a Sikh festival which begins on the first day of the lunar month of Chett most often falls in March, and sometimes coincides with the Sikh New Year. The event lasts for a week, and consists of camping out and enjoying various displays of fighting prowess and bravery.