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About

Sikhism

A short introduction — in pictures more than words.

Khanda

ੴ

One universal creator. One human family.

Sikhi began in Punjab in 1469 and rests on a simple idea: everyone is equal before the divine, and devotion is proven through how you live.

  • 1469

    Guru Nanak Dev Ji born

  • Punjab

    Where it began

  • ~30M

    Sikhs worldwide

  • 5th

    Largest world religion

Three pillars

Everything else follows from these.

  • ਨਾਮ ਜਪੋ

    Naam Japo

    Remember the divine

  • ਕਿਰਤ ਕਰੋ

    Kirat Karo

    Earn honestly

  • ਵੰਡ ਛਕੋ

    Vand Chhako

    Share what you have

Ten Gurus, one Guru

Ten teachers over 239 years. The tenth passed the guruship to the scripture itself, so the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the living Guru today.

  1. 1Guru Nanak Dev Ji
  2. 2Guru Angad Dev Ji
  3. 3Guru Amar Das Ji
  4. 4Guru Ram Das Ji
  5. 5Guru Arjan Dev Ji
  6. 6Guru Hargobind Ji
  7. 7Guru Har Rai Ji
  8. 8Guru Har Krishan Ji
  9. 9Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
  10. 10Guru Gobind Singh Ji

1469

Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Born in Punjab. Founds the path.

1539–1675

Eight successors

Langar, Gurmukhi script, Harmandir Sahib.

1708

Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Guru Gobind Singh Ji names the scripture the eternal Guru.

The Five Ks

Five articles worn by initiated Sikhs as a visible commitment.

  • ਕੇਸ

    Kesh

    Uncut hair, kept covered

  • ਕੰਘਾ

    Kangha

    Wooden comb

  • ਕੜਾ

    Kara

    Steel bracelet

  • ਕਿਰਪਾਨ

    Kirpan

    Sword of defence

  • ਕਛਹਿਰਾ

    Kachhera

    Cotton undergarment

What Sikhs believe

  • One creator, one humanity
  • Equality of all people
  • Seva — selfless service
  • Honest work over ritual
  • No caste, no priesthood
  • Langar for everyone

Inside a gurudwara

The doors face every direction — all are welcome, no matter their faith.

Layout of a gurudwara
  1. 1Nishan Sahib — The saffron flag outside. Anyone is welcome in.
  2. 2Joda ghar — Leave shoes here, cover your head.
  3. 3Palki Sahib — Guru Granth Sahib Ji rests under a canopy.
  4. 4Darbar hall — Sangat sits on the floor, together.
  5. 5Langar hall — A free meal, served to everyone.

Visiting for the first time

  • Cover your head — scarves are at the door.
  • Remove your shoes, wash your hands.
  • Sit on the floor with the sangat.
  • Stay for langar. There is always enough.

Come see for yourself

Diwan, langar, and seva are open to everyone, every week.