Interesting Facts
Globally, there are this many Sikhs, with 400,000 of them residing in the United Kingdom.
30 Billion
Sikhi *(In English: Sikhism) was developed from the spiritual teachings of this person, who is also the faith's first Guru.
Guru Nanak
The Sikh Religion was born in Punjab, South Asia in 1469 CE by Guru Nanak and continued to grow under this many religious leaders, also known as Gurus.
10
This holiday celebrates the Birth or Death date of a Sikh Guru. On these occasions, Sikhs around the globe gather to reflect on the lives and teachings of the guru.
"Gurpurab"
The literal meaning of the Punjabi word Sikh, in English.
"Disciple"
Historically worn by royalty in South Asia, and the Gurus adopted the practice of wearing this item as a way of asserting the sovereignty and equality of all people. It also represents a public commitment to maintaining the values and ethics of the tradition, including service, compassion, and honesty.
"A Turban"
This Sikh practitioner was named by Fortune Magazine as one of the seven "Unsung Heroes of the 20th Century" and is best known for his work on fiber optics. He is also the creator and chief promoter of the term "fiber optics!"
Narinder Singh Kapany
This Sikh scripture was compiled by the 10 Gurus and speaks of the nature of divine experience and the steps one can take to achieve. It holds the ultimate authority within the Sikh tradition.
The "Guru Granth Sahib"
*(written in verse format and often set to music)
A festival shared by Sikh and Hindu practitioners that is celebrated as the Festival of Colors, Love, and Spring.
"Holi"
This word describes the articles of faith worn by baptized Sikhs: Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (steel bracelet), Kanga (wooden comb), Kachera (cotton undergarments), and Kirpan (ceremonial sword).
The "Five K" also known as "Five Articles of Faith"
Similar to almost every other belief system, Sikhs practice the core principle of humility through honest living and selfless love-inspired service which goes by this word in Sikhi and translates to "selfless service" in English.
"Seva"
This Sikh practitioner, scientist, and direct descendent of Guru Amar Das (third Sikh Guru) published more than 150 research papers in national and international journals of repute such as Nature and The Journal of The Chemical Society of England.
He was also President of one of the five highest seats of Sikhism, Takhat Harmandar Sahib, at Patna Sahib, the Birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the Tenth Sikh Guru.
Dr Kartar Singh Bawa (1886-1960)
in 1699CE Guru Gobind Singh (the 10th Guru) called on all Sikhs to gather in the city of Anandpur to formally establish the Sikh community under this name, which provided an official structure for people committed to the Sikh way of life.
"Guru Khalsa Panth"
The three-day festival of martial arts that follows Holi. In this festival, Sikh practitioners share the physical side of their saint-soldier practice by competing in horsemanship, athletics, archery, military exercises, and train in mock battles.
"Hola Mohalla" aka Hola
These surnames are adopted by Sikh men and women. The practice was established by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, to promote social justice and equality by replacing family names that often-indicated caste status.
"Kaur" *(English translation: Princess)
"Singh" *(English translation: Lion)
Similar to protestant Christianity, the Sikh community is a monotheistic religion that believes that all people are equal, and that each person can connect with God this way.
"directly"
This founding Sikh Guru taught that true religion consists of always being mindful of God, meditating on the name and attributes of God and reflecting on God's Power in all activities of daily life.
Guru Nanak, the first Guru,
The tenth and last Sikh Guru passed away in 1708 CE, leaving the authority to rest within these two entities of the Sikh community.
Guru Granth Sahib - scripture
Guru Khalsa Panth - initiated Sikhs
This holiday commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind (sixth Sikh Guru) from the Gwalior Fort in 1619. Along with his freedom he was also able to successfully secure freedom for dozens of others who were unjustly imprisoned. This holiday is celebrated with lights, fireworks, feasts and the reflection on the values of freedom, justice, and standing up against oppression.
"Bandi Chhor Divas" aka "Bandi Chhor Dihara"
English translation: "The Day of Liberation"
Individuals who commit to the Sikh way of life are required to do these two things, which mean to: accept the initiation and adopt the Sikh code of conduct. This way of life includes engaging in daily prayers and wearing the five articles of faith.
"Amrit"
"Rehat Maryada"
Truthful Living, Service to Humanity, and Devotion to God are called ______.
the "Three Daily Principles"
This devoted Sikh scientist and 1946 Nobel Prize nonminor for chemistry, is known for his research on the effects of the insecticide D.D.T. and the importance of chemicals against diseases caused by insects and bacteria.
Bawa Kartar Singh *(1886-1960)
The Punjabi name "Harmandir Sahib" translates to "House of God" in English and denotes this place, located in Amritsar, Punjab, India. It is considered one of the holiest sites in Sikhism.
"The Golden Temple"
This most important day traditionally marks the celebration of the spring harvest festival and is the day the 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh called all Sikhs to gather in the city of Anandpur to formally establish the Sikh community!
"Vaisakhi"
This Punjabi word, that originates from the word "Shishya" in Sanskrit, is preferred by Sikhs to identify themselves and can be defined as "A way of life and a continuous state of learning and engagement."
"Sikhi"