The Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism's holy scripture, is a central feature to all important ceremonies and celebrations. No important Sikhism holiday occasion or life event is complete without kirtan, the singing of divine hymns, and a worship ceremony in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib. The five beloved Panj Pyare have an important role in the initiation ceremony and many holiday celebrations.
All About Important Life Events and Sikhism Ceremonies
Photo © [Nirmaljot Singh]
Throughout life a Sikh is supported by the ideals of ethics, and the structure of moral conduct. Each stage of life involves ceremonies centered in worship and remembrance of the divine, encouraging reliance on spiritual values to sustain the process of living.
- All About Anand Karaj the Sikh Wedding Ceremony
- All About Janam Naam Sanskar Sikhism Baby Naming Ceremony
- All About Dastar Bhandi or Rasam Pagri the Turban Tying Ceremony
- All About Amrit Sanchar Sikh Baptism Ceremony and Initiation Rites
- All About Antam Sanskaar the Sikh Funeral Ceremony
- All About Kirtan Hymns and Blessings for Every Occasion
All About Sikh Holidays Celebrations and Festivities
Photo © [S Khalsa]
Sikh holidays are commemorative occasions celebrated with worship and festivities.The Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism';s holy scripture, is paraded through streets on a palanquin or float in a musical procession with devotional singing known as nagar kirtan. The panj pyare, or five beloved ones, march ahead of worshipers.
- Nanakshahi Calendar Important Dates
- Vaisakhi Aniversary of Initiation
- Signifigance of the Panj Pyara in Celebrations
- Hola Mohalla, the Sikh Martial Arts Parade
- Bandi Chhor, Release From Imprisonment
- Guru Gadee Inauguration Holiday
- Gurpurab, Birth, Inaguration or Martyrdom of the Ten Gurus
- Commemorating the Sacrifice of Shaheed Singhs (Sikh Martyrs)
All About The Guru Granth, Sikhism’s Holy Scripture
Photo © [Ravitej Singh Khalsa / Eugene, Oregon / USA]
The Guru Granth is the eternal Guru of the Sikhs and may never be replaced by a human being. The scripture is formally referred to as "Siri Guru Granth Sahib", meaning respected scripture of the Supreme Enlightener. No worship service, event, ceremony, celebration, festivity, or other Sikhism function, is complete without the presence of Guru Granth Sahib, and reading a hukam, or verse, selected at random from the scripture.
All About the Sikh Tradition of Kirtan
Photo © [Khalsa Panth]
Kirtan is considered by Sikhs to be the highest form of adoration and praise. Shabads or hymns are at the heart of the Sikh worship service, ceremonies and celebrations. Festivites may include nagar kirtan, or kirtan parade.
- Kirtan Adoration in Song
- Shabad Hymns of Gurbani
- Nagar Kirtan Parade
- Rain Sabaee Kirtan, Night so Beautiful!
- Kirtan Classes and Camp
- Sikh Hymns, Prayers and Blessings for All Occasions
- Hymns in Praise of Women
- Hymns of the Sikh Wedding
- Hymns of Hope and Blessings for a Child
- Hymns of Encouragement During Hard Times
- Hymns Sung in Praise of Khalsa Initiation
- Hymns of Consolation for the Bereaved
- Gurbani Kirtan CD's by Gurmat Gian Group
- Learn Gurbani Kirtan Book DVD CD by Bhai Manmohan Singh
All About the Five Beloved Panj Pyare
Photo © [S Khalsa]
When Sikhs congregate to celebrate commemorative occasions and ceremonies, groups of five men or women dressed identically in saffron or indigo representing the Panj Pyare of Sikh history may carry swords or Sikh flags. The five beloved Panj Pyara administer the Sikhism baptism and Amrit initiation ceremony.
