Beliefs and the Gurus
- Sikhism began in the Punjab in India with Guru Nanak (born 1469). There were Ten Gurus in human form.
- Sikhs believe in one God (Ik Onkar, "there is one God"), who is the creator and is within everyone.
- The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, founded the Khalsa (the community of committed Sikhs) at Vaisakhi in 1699. He declared that after him the holy book would be the Guru.
- The Guru Granth Sahib is the holy book and is treated as a living Guru.
Equality and service
- Sikhs believe everyone is equal, whatever their gender, caste or religion.
- Sewa is selfless service to others.
- Every gurdwara (Sikh place of worship) has a langar: a free kitchen where anyone can eat, sitting together as equals.
The 5 Ks and festivals
- Members of the Khalsa wear the 5 Ks: kesh (uncut hair, often covered by a turban), kara (a steel bracelet), kanga (a wooden comb), kachera (cotton shorts worn as underwear) and kirpan (a short sword, a symbol of standing up for justice).
- Vaisakhi remembers the founding of the Khalsa. Sikhs also celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas at the same time as Diwali.
Key terms
- Guru Nanak
- The first Sikh Guru and founder of Sikhism.
- Guru Granth Sahib
- The Sikh holy book, treated as a living Guru.
- Gurdwara
- A Sikh place of worship.
- Langar
- The free kitchen in a gurdwara.
- Sewa
- Selfless service to others.
- Khalsa
- The community of committed Sikhs.
- Ik Onkar
- "There is one God".