An Introduction of Sikhism :

Sikhism is perhaps the second youngest world religion, about 531 years at the end of the millennium. Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born a Hindu and belonged to the Punjab where he lived between 1469-1539. Since Punjab was home to both Hindus and Muslims, Nanak grew up observing the ill-will between the two religious communities.

Nanak The Holy Figure :

Nanak’s closest associates were, Mardana, an aged Muslim, and Bala, a Hindu peasant. Together the three visited many Hindu and Muslim shrines. Nanak even made the pilgrimage to Mecca. Inspired by his insight into the unity of both religions, Nanak began to preach his message of peace and harmony. He attracted many disciples and followers and soon came to be known as Guru Nanak. A new religious tradition was thus born. The term Sikh is derived from the Sanskrit word shishya (disciple).

Origin :

Founder of Sikhism was Guru Nanak (1469-) who preached a message of love and understanding and criticized the blind rituals of the Hindus and Muslims. Guru Nanak passed on his enlightened leadership of this new religion to nine successive Guru and the last Guru was Guru Gobind Singh(1708-).A syncretistic religion, Sikhism is originally said to be related with Bhakti movement and Sufism within Hinduism and Islam. Many independent beliefs and practices were added. Some believe their religion to be a re-purification of Hinduism but many believe that their religion is only a direct revelation from God.

Central Beliefs :

Sikhism follows teachings of all its 10 Gurus enshrined in the Sikh Holy Book of Guru Granth Sahib. Sikhism preaches devotion and remembrance of God at all times, truthful living, equality of mankind and denounces superstitions and blind rituals. A goal of a Sikh is maintain a close relationship with God. Sikhism believes in only one God for all people of all religions and condemns blind rituals such as fasting, visiting places of pilgrimage, superstitions, worship of the dead, idol worship etc. Sikhism preaches equality of all people in the eyes of God. The Khalsa Order,meaning 'the pure' includes baptised Sikh men and women that upholds the highest Sikh virtues of commitment, dedication and a social conscious. strictly follow the Sikh Code of Conduct and Conventions and wear the prescribed physical articles of the faith.

Sikhism in Practice :

Sikhs have only the custodians of the Guru Granth Sahib (granthi), commonly read and studied in the Gurdwara (a Sikh temple) or in their home. Sikh priests were by Guru Nanak for their ego and contempt.In Gurdwaras, free community meals are served to people from of all faiths, outlining the basic Sikh principles of service, humility and equality. Most significant historical religious center for the Sikhs is Harmandir Sahib (The Golden Temple) at Amritsar Punjab, N,India). However, all places where Sri Guru Granth Sahib are installed are considered equally holy for Sikhs

Festivals :

Gurupurab : The birthday of Guru Nanak is celebrated soon after the Hindu festival of Diwali. Sikhs decorate their home with lamps and lights and special services are held at gurudwaras (sikh temples).

Maghi : Celebrated in January, Maghi honours Guru Gobind Singh who was besieged by the Mughal army at Anandpur in the 17th century.

Lohri : This festival marks the end of winter and is celebrated in January. It is especially dear to unmarried women who pray that they will find good husbands and make an excellent marriage.

Baisakhi : The start of the Punjabi New Year, Baisakhi is always celebrated on April 13. It coincides with the harvest and is especially dear to the Sikhs because the Khalsa was created on Baisakhi day in 1699.