The Sikh Culture

Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 1

99% of people wearing turbans in America are Sikhs

• Sikhs wear Turbans • Sikhism is a very “visible

religion

Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 2

Sikhism is the 5

th

Largest Religion in the World

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Christianity – 2 billion Islam – 1.3 billion Hinduism – 900 million Buddhism – 360 million Sikhism – 22 million Judaism – 14 million

Source: www.adherents .com

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2000 BC Hinduism Judaism Jainism Buddhism Taoism Shinto Christianity

Sikhism

1000 BC

Source: Experiencing World Religions, M Malloy

Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council

Sikhism is the Newest Major Religion in the World 0 1000 AD 2000 AD Hinduism Judaism Jainism Buddhism Taoism Shinto Christianity

Sikhism

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1469: Guru Nanak - Birth of a Revolutionary

 At that time  Land divided by Hindu/Islam religions      Ruled by invaders from Persia & Afghanistan Rich exploited the poor Strict Castes (Untouchables had no rights) Women had no role Superstitions & Rituals Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council      Guru means “Spiritual Enlightener” Spread the revelation across 8000 miles on foot Defender of human rights and equality Tolerant of other’s perspective and freedom of choice Often used metaphor and analogy to communicate 5

The Ten Gurus (1469-1708)

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Guru Nanak Dev ji (1469-1539)- one god, freedom, equality Guru Angand Dev ji (1504-1552– Gurmukhi Script, Gyms, Food “Langar” halls Guru Amar Das ji (1479-1574)– Women’s rights (anti Sati, veil, child marriage) Guru Ram Das ji (1534-1581)– city of Amritsar, international trade, marriage ceremony Guru Arjan Dev ji (1563-1606)– wrote Guru Granth Sahib, tithe tradition, executed by Emperor Jehangir Guru Hargobind ji (1595-1644)– Saint-Soldier, formed military, first war with muslim ruler Guru Har Rai ji (1630-1661)- 360 Sikh Centers Guru Har Krishan ji (1656-1664)– Delhi presence, healthcare Guru Tegh Bahadur ji (1621-1675)– sacrifice for Hindu religion Guru Gobind Singh ji (1666-1708)– the Khalsa, 5 articles of faith, many wars 6 Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council

Sikhism has a High Moral Code of Conduct

 DOs     Equality of all Humanity  Men and Women have same rights Freedom and Liberty for all  Protect yours and others rights Selfless Service and Sharing  Strong work ethic Follow the Guru’s Path  Spiritual, Mental and Physical balance  DONTs    Smoking Drugs Alcohol Spiritual Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib (The Sikh scripture) Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 7

Equality

(Key Aspects of Sikhism)

Equality of Women

“Women are equal” – Guru Nanak (16 th Century) Gurdwara( Sikh Temple) Four Doors – always open to all religions

No Caste System

“Singh” and “Kaur”

Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council Mai Bhago 8

Defend Rights

(Key Aspects of Sikhism)

Saint-Soldier

Defender of Rights and Fighter of Oppression

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Service

(Key Aspects of Sikhism)

Community Kitchen 24/7/365 - Free

Signifies sharing and universal brotherhood

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Free Hospitals and Clinics

Bhagat Puran Singh (Father Teresa)

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Balanced Life

(Key Aspects of Sikhism)

Meditation

Remembrance of God

Martial Arts (Gatka)

Sword Fighting

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Sikh’s are given a Unique Identity symbolizing discipline and spirituality

All Sikhs wear 5 Articles of Faith

Uncut Hair (Kesh)

SPIRITUALITY

Iron Bracelet (Kara)

GOOD DEEDS

Comb (Kanga)

CLEANLINESS

Long Underpants (Kachera)

SELF DISCIPLINE

Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council

Sword (Kirpan)

PROTECTION

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After the Gurus 1670 - 1850

      1670-1716 Banda Bahadur Most respected and feared General of the Sikhs 40,000 strong army;  1718-1783 – Jassa Singh Ahluwalia United Sikhs all over  1762 – Sixth Afghan Invasion The great Holocaust (30,000 Sikhs killed)    1780 – 1839 – Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ruler of Punjab – only area independent of British Empire; included Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kashmir First Modern Indian Army – The Sikh Khalsa army; artillery; European generals; exists even today as most highly decorated army in the world Focused on Art, Equality, abolished death penalty Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 13

British Occupation and World Wars 1850-1945

      1845 1 st 1849 2 nd Anglo-Sikh War Anglo-Sikh War 1857 Sikh Mutiny 1860 onwards – relative peace  World War I (1914-1918) Sikhs liberated France as part of British Army; fought in Africa and Turkey  World War II (1939-1945) Sikhs fought against Japan and Germany Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council Kesur Singh Queen’s Army, 1897 14

Independence from British 1947

    1947 India and Pakistan Punjab split in HALF 1 million dead; 10 million injured; 30 million homeless Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 15

Sikhs came to America over a 100 years ago

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Sikhs came from India There are half a million Sikhs today in North America Sikhs live in over 60 countries San Francisco Chronicle, April 6, 1899

Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 16

Sikhs are– doctors, engineers, teachers, scientists, and athletes

Nuvraj Bassi, 6’6”, 290 lbs, Defensive Tackle, Univ of Oregon,

Oregon

Simran Singh, Captain Soccer O’Connor High School,

Texas

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Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council

World Marathon Record Holder Fauja Singh – 99 years old

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Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council Waris Ahluwalia

Hollywood, MTV, Jazz

Rabbi Shergill Snatam Kaur Lonnie Smith 19

Modern Day Sikhs Continue the Tradition of Global Peacekeepers

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Festivals and Cultural Events Guru Nanak’s Birthday

December

Baisakhi (Spring Festival)

Sikh New Year

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The Turban - encapsulates the spirit of saint-soldier and the values a Sikh aims to live by

      Mandatory – not a social or cultural article.

Symbolic of sovereignty of humans.

Always be recognized and duty bound to offer help.

Sikhs wearing it for the last 500 years.

Removal of turban in public is tantamount to a strip search.

Stand for social justice of all people.

Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council  Tell All       I uphold truth I uphold justice I have discipline I have integrity I am humble I am spiritual 22

Sikh Americans –Freedom and Equality for all

Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 23

Questions and Answers

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Why do you wear a turban?

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How long is the turban and does the color mean anything?

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When do you have to wear a turban?

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How long is your hair? 5.

Why are so many people named SINGH and KAUR?

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Do you have any other religious restrictions?

24 Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council

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Questions and Answers

Why do you wear a turban?

 Sikhs wear turbans to cover their long hair which is a requirement of their religion How long is the turban and does the color mean anything?

 A turban is 10-15 feet long and is tied every time. You can wear any color.

When do you have to wear a turban?

 You can wear a turban wherever and whenever. For sports a smaller scarf-like turban, sometimes called a mini-turban, is worn. How long is your hair?  Hair length varies from shoulder length to waist length. Hair stops growing after a while.

Why are so many people named SINGH and KAUR?

  Equality!

Do you have any other religious restrictions?

Smoking, drugs and alcohol are prohibited for obvious reasons. 25 Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council