Beliefs

Sikhism is one of the newer faiths of the World, having its origins in the life and teachings of Guru Nanak in the Punjab in Northwest India in the late 15 ^th and early 16 ^th centuries.  

The Sikh religion was founded by Guru Nanak, born in Talvandi (1469 – 1538). Guru Nanak envisaged a society in which every member would work for the common good; Sikh means 'Disciple'. He and the nine other Gurus who followed him sought to set an example in the way of living spiritually, while at the same time taking an active part in the World.  

Guru Nanak was opposed to religious practices taking the form of superstitions and ritual acts, which he saw as barriers rather than aids to worship. He spoke against the Caste System, against the custom of 'Purdah' (veiling) and 'Sati' (Widow burning) and gave women not only equal but rather higher status than men. He emphasised the oneness of God and his presence; and he stressed the virtues of truthfulness, kindness and generosity and the equality of men. Nine more Sikh gurus followed his teachings over a period of 200 years.  

The tenth guru, Gobind Singh, knit the Sikhs into a Saint and Soldier nation with a common loyalty and a common purpose and at the same time introduced a more democratic form of organisation, with less reliance on a single religious leader. He created the Khalsa, the brother/sisterhood of Sikhs and introduced the Sikh initiation ceremony in 1699.  

The Guru also instructed the Sikhs to rise early and recite the name of God and say prayers in the morning, at sunset and before returning to bed; to abstain from tobacco, drugs and alcohol; to avoid eating sacrificial meat; to refrain from adultery and to contribute to religious purposes or to the needy in the community.  

There are no priests in Sikhism; any competent person from the community can lead the service. Before Guru Gobind Singh died and he declared that the Book of Scriptures, 'Guru Granth Sahib' should be his successor and it is through this Holy Book that Sikhs now approach the 'Waherguru', meaning the Wonderful Lord.  

The Sikh Temple is called the Gurdwara, where the Granth Sahib is kept with utmost respect. The Gurdwara is more than a place of worship; it is a Community Centre – the focal point of the Sikh Community.  

Sikhs are probably best known for two things, their turbans and their fighting spirit. The turban is more than a covering for the head. It is regarded as part of a person's personality, not merely a garment. The hair of Sikh children will not be cut as it grows longer, that of boys will be tied up in a top knot and covered with a patka (cloth headcovering) while girls will normally tie their hair and wear a scarf or dupatta  

The turban is made out of a thin materiel,which is wound round the head, and is six to seven yards in length and about thirty inches in width. There are different ways of wearing a turban and different shapes and colours. Not all women wear a turban but there are some that do. If they do, they will also cover a turban with the 'dupatta' scarf that is worn with Shalwar (trousers), and Kameez (tunic top).