1. Home
  2. Religion & Spirituality
  3. Sikhism

Life and Practices of Sikh People

By Sukhmandir Khalsa, About.com Guide to Sikhism

To be a Sikh means to practice Sikhism in every aspect of daily life with every breath, thought and deed. This section highlights the everyday life of a Sikh, and offers guidance to enriching the Sikh experience with practical application. The information here is meant to foster greater understanding within the world community with an aim of educating the interested onlooker, while encouraging Sikhs themselves to discover the depths of divine existence had in the distinction of their unique lifestyle.

  1. Important Life Events
  2. Food & Recipes
  3. Tolerance & Discrimination
  4. DIY Sikhsim Projects and Resources
  1. Readers Response - Share Your Thoughts and Expertise
  2. Words and Meanings
  3. Baby Names and Meanings

Important Life Events

Birthday Celebration

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.

Food & Recipes

Poori Frying in Oil

Eating and sharing of food is at the core of Sikh living. Every Sikh ceremony and worship service includes the tradition of communal dining, called langar. Here you can find illustrated recipes offering nourishment to both body and soul.

Tolerance & Discrimination

Sikh Man With Turban

The distinct appearance of a turban, traditional and ceremonial clothing makes Sikhs stand out. Initiated Sikhs have a required dress code. What sort of acceptance problems do Sikhs have? Find out why Sikhs wear turbans, and what social issues are related to the practice of Sikhism.

DIY Sikhsim Projects and Resources

Jack-O-Lantern Sikhi Style

Stay connected with Sikhism at home. Teach yourself Gurbani. Learn to play kirtan online. Sew a slip cover and satchel for a Sikh prayer book or hymnal. Build and furnish a portable altar. Find free cross stitch patterns with Sikhism themes. Carve a Sikhi Style Jack-O-Lantern. Get illustrated step by step instructions and ideas for these and more "Do-It-Yourself" Sikhism projects with the resources found here.

Readers Response - Share Your Thoughts and Expertise

Sikh student studying in the schoolroom.

Are you an expert? Do you have an opinion you'd care to share? Readers Response invites you to weigh in on topics and share your knowledge or tell us what you think.

Words and Meanings

Satnam

Many words commonly used in Sikhism are of Indian origin. Learn the meanings of terms which are essential to understanding the Sikh culture and customs of Sikh living.

Baby Names and Meanings

Nishan - Banner flag

Spiritual names may be given at birth, or taken at the time of baptism and initiation, marriage, or when someone wishes to make a change in their life. Sikh names can be used for boys or girls. Find thousands of Sikh baby names and learn their spiritual meanings here.

Newsletters
  1. Home
  2. Religion & Spirituality
  3. Sikhism

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.