Sikhism's sacred text, the Guru Granth Sahib, is central to their faith. It's not just a book, but the eternal Guru, guiding believers through hymns and teachings. Sikhs treat it with deep respect, placing it on a raised platform in their place of worship.
Sikh worship involves singing hymns, reciting prayers, and sharing blessed food. The Gurdwara, their place of worship, welcomes all and includes a free community kitchen. Sikhs celebrate festivals like Vaisakhi and Gurpurabs to honor their Gurus and faith.
Sikh Holy Scripture
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Guru Granth Sahib
- Considered the eternal Guru and the central religious scripture of Sikhism
- Compilation of hymns and teachings from the 10 human Gurus and various saints from different faiths
- Contains 1,430 pages of hymns written in Gurmukhi script
- Treated with utmost respect and reverence by Sikhs
- Placed on a raised platform (Takht) in the Gurdwara and covered with a rumalla (decorative cloth)
- Sikhs bow before the Guru Granth Sahib as a sign of respect and submission
Akhand Path
- Continuous, uninterrupted reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib
- Takes approximately 48 hours to complete
- Performed on special occasions such as the opening of a new Gurdwara, weddings, or in memory of a deceased person
- Relay of readers (Granthis) take turns reading the scripture to ensure continuity
- Listeners gather to hear the recitation and offer prayers
Sikh Worship Practices
Kirtan and Ardas
- Kirtan involves singing hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib to musical accompaniment
- Helps Sikhs focus their minds on the divine and experience spiritual bliss
- Ardas is a common prayer recited at the end of congregational worship or any significant event
- Ardas expresses gratitude, asks for forgiveness, and seeks blessings and guidance from God
Karah Parshad and Amrit Sanchar
- Karah Parshad is a sweet pudding made from equal parts of whole wheat flour, clarified butter (ghee), and sugar
- Offered to the congregation as a blessed food after prayers
- Symbolizes equality and unity among the community
- Amrit Sanchar is the Sikh initiation ceremony
- Initiated Sikhs (Amritdharis) drink Amrit (holy nectar) and vow to follow the Sikh code of conduct (Rahit)
- Amrit is prepared by stirring water and sugar with a double-edged sword (Khanda) while reciting prayers
Sikh Place of Worship
Gurdwara
- Literally means "the doorway to the Guru"
- Place where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed and worshipped
- Serves as a place of worship, learning, and community gathering for Sikhs
- Open to people of all faiths and backgrounds
- Langar (free community kitchen) is an integral part of every Gurdwara
- Promotes the principles of equality, selfless service (Seva), and sharing
- Gurdwaras are identified by the Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag) and a dome (Gumbad) on top
Sikh Celebrations
Sikh Festivals
- Vaisakhi marks the birth of the Khalsa and the Sikh New Year (usually falls on April 13 or 14)
- Sikhs gather at Gurdwaras, participate in processions (Nagar Kirtans), and engage in community service
- Gurpurabs celebrate the birth or martyrdom anniversaries of the Sikh Gurus
- Major Gurpurabs include the birthdays of Guru Nanak Dev (founder of Sikhism) and Guru Gobind Singh (tenth Guru)
- Bandi Chhor Divas coincides with Diwali and commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment
- Sikhs light up Gurdwaras and homes, and share sweets to mark the occasion