Introduction to Sikhism
Sikhism was founded in the 15th Century in the Punjab by Guru Nanak.
There are over 20 million Sikhs in the world, most living in India. Approximately half a million Sikhs live in the UK making it the third most popular religion. Sikhs make up 0.2% of Lambeth’s population.
- Sikhs believe that there is only one God.
- God is know by Sikhs by a variety of names – Ram, Mohan, Gohind, Hari, Satnam and Waheheguru.
- The Mul Mantar, the first hymn written by Guru Nanak sums up the basi Sikh beliefs : ‘There is only one God. The eternal truth, the Creator. He is without Fear. He is without hate. He is timeless and without form. He is beyond death, the Enlightened One. He can be known by the grace of the Guru.
- Sikhs worship in a Gurdwara.
- The Sikh scripture is a book called the Guru Granth Sahib
The Meaning of the 5 Ks
The 5 Ks are 5 physical symbols worn by Sikhs who have been initiated into the Khalsa. They date from the creation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.
The 5 Ks taken together symbolise that the Sikh who wears them has dedicated themselves to a life of devotion and submission to the Guru.
The Guru introduced them for several reasons:
Adopting these common symbols would identify members of the Khalsa. Because all members of the Khalsa wear the 5 Ks the members of the community are more strongly bound together.
The five Ks are:
- Kesh (uncut hair)
- Kara (a steel bracelet)
- Kanga (a wooden comb)
- Kaccha - also spelt, Kachh, Kachera (cotton underwear)
- Kirpan (steel sword)
For a Sikh the fact that the Guru has instructed the Sikhs to wear the 5 Ks is an entirely sufficient reason, and no more need be said.
The symbols have become greatly more powerful with each passing year of Sikh history.
Every Sikh remembers that every Sikh warrior, saint, or martyr since 1699, and every living member of the Khalsa, is united with them in having adopted the same 5 Ks.
Holy Days/Festivals
Sikh festivals are set using the lunar calendar, with the result that the festivals are not on the same date each year.
Vaisakhi (Baisakhi)
The Sikh New Year Festival and one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar. The day is observed by temple worship and fasting and commemorates 1699, the year Sikhism was born as a collective faith.
Divali
The Festival of Light, comes at the end of October or early November. It's a festival that Sikhs and Hindus both celebrate.