The Sikh Culture
Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council
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99% of people wearing turbans in America are Sikhs
• Sikhs wear Turbans
• Sikhism is a very “visible
religion
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Sikhism is the 5th 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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Sikhism is the Newest Major Religion
in the World
2000 BC
1000 BC
0
1000 AD
2000 AD
Hinduism
Hinduism
Judaism
Judaism
Jainism
Jainism
Buddhism
Buddhism
Taoism
Taoism
Shinto
Shinto
Christianity
Christianity
Sikhism
Sikhism
Source: Experiencing World Religions, M Malloy
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1469: Guru Nanak - Birth of a Revolutionary
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At that time
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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
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Guru means “Spiritual Enlightener”
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Spread the revelation across 8000 miles on foot
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Defender of human rights and equality
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Tolerant of other’s perspective and freedom of choice
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Often used metaphor and analogy to communicate
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The Ten Gurus (1469-1708)
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Guru Nanak Dev ji (1469-1539)- one god, freedom, equality
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Guru Angand Dev ji (1504-1552– Gurmukhi Script, Gyms, Food “Langar” halls
3.
Guru Amar Das ji (1479-1574)– Women’s rights (anti Sati, veil, child marriage)
4.
Guru Ram Das ji (1534-1581)– city of Amritsar, international trade, marriage ceremony
5.
Guru Arjan Dev ji (1563-1606)– wrote Guru Granth Sahib, tithe tradition, executed by
Emperor Jehangir
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Guru Hargobind ji (1595-1644)– Saint-Soldier, formed military, first war with muslim ruler
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Guru Har Rai ji (1630-1661)- 360 Sikh Centers
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Guru Har Krishan ji (1656-1664)– Delhi presence, healthcare
9.
Guru Tegh Bahadur ji (1621-1675)– sacrifice for Hindu religion
10.
Guru Gobind Singh ji (1666-1708)– the Khalsa, 5 articles of faith, many wars
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Sikhism has a High Moral Code of Conduct
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DOs
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Equality of all Humanity
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Freedom and Liberty for all
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Strong work ethic
Follow the Guru’s Path
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Protect yours and others rights
Selfless Service and Sharing
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Men and Women have same rights
Spiritual, Mental and Physical balance
DONTs
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Smoking
Drugs
Alcohol
Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council
Spiritual Guru, Sri Guru Granth
Sahib (The Sikh scripture)
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Equality
(Key Aspects of Sikhism)
Equality of Women
“Women are equal” – Guru
Nanak (16th Century)
Gurdwara( Sikh Temple)
Four Doors – always open to all
religions
Mai Bhago
No Caste System
“Singh” and “Kaur”
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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
Free Hospitals and
Clinics
Bhagat Puran Singh
(Father Teresa)
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10
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
Iron Bracelet (Kara)
GOOD DEEDS
Uncut Hair (Kesh)
SPIRITUALITY
Sword (Kirpan)
PROTECTION
Comb (Kanga)
CLEANLINESS
Long Underpants (Kachera)
SELF DISCIPLINE
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After the Gurus 1670 - 1850
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1670-1716 Banda Bahadur
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1718-1783 – Jassa Singh Ahluwalia
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United Sikhs all over
1762 – Sixth Afghan Invasion
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Most respected and feared General of the Sikhs
40,000 strong army;
The great Holocaust (30,000 Sikhs killed)
1780 – 1839 – Maharaja Ranjit Singh
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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
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British Occupation and World Wars 1850-1945
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1845 1st Anglo-Sikh War
1849 2nd Anglo-Sikh War
1857 Sikh Mutiny
1860 onwards – relative peace
World War I (1914-1918)
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Sikhs liberated France as part of British Army;
fought in Africa and Turkey
World War II (1939-1945)
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Sikhs fought against Japan and Germany
Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council
Kesur Singh
Queen’s Army, 1897
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Independence from British 1947
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1947
India and Pakistan
Punjab split in HALF
1 million dead; 10 million
injured; 30 million homeless
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Sikhs came to America over a 100 years ago
• 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
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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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World Marathon Record Holder
Fauja Singh – 99 years old
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Hollywood, MTV, Jazz
Rabbi Shergill
Waris
Ahluwalia
Snatam
Kaur
Lonnie
Smith
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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
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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.
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Tell All
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Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council
I
I
I
I
I
I
uphold truth
uphold justice
have discipline
have integrity
am humble
am spiritual
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Sikh Americans –Freedom and Equality for all
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Questions and Answers
1.
Why do you wear a turban?
2.
How long is the turban and does the color mean anything?
3.
When do you have to wear a turban?
4.
How long is your hair?
5.
Why are so many people named SINGH and KAUR?
6.
Do you have any other religious restrictions?
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Questions and Answers
1.
Why do you wear a turban?
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2.
How long is the turban and does the color mean anything?
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3.
Hair length varies from shoulder length to waist length. Hair stops
growing after a while.
Why are so many people named SINGH and KAUR?
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6.
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?
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5.
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?
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4.
Sikhs wear turbans to cover their long hair which is a requirement
of their religion
Equality!
Do you have any other religious restrictions?
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Smoking, drugs and alcohol are prohibited for obvious reasons.
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