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.
Important Life Events
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.
- Janam Naam Sanskar (Sikh Baby Naming Ceremony)
- Before You Select a Sikh Baby Name
- Amrit Sanchar (Ritual Initiation)
- The Sikh Initiation Ceremony Illustrated
- Anand Karaj (Sikh Marriage Ceremony)
- Antam Sanskar (Sikh Funeral Ceremony)
- Should Open Air Cremation be an Option in America?
Food & Recipes
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.
- Illustrated Atta Recipe (Indian Flatbread Dough)
- Crispy Poori (Deep Fried Indian Flatbread)
- Roasted Pumpkins Seeds With Curry Seasoning
Tolerance & Discrimination
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.
- Why Do Sikhs Wear Turbans?
- The Traditional Dress of Sikhs
- How To Navigate Airport Security
- Create a Healthy School Environment
- What Articles Are Required Wear For the Initiated Sikh?
DIY Sikhsim Projects and Resources
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.
- Do It Yourself Sikhism Resources
- Sew a Sikh Prayer Book Cover
- Stitch a Sikh Prayer Book Satchel
- Build a Portable Altar For the Guru Granth
- How to Sew Altar Cloths For the Guru Granth
- Free Cross Stitch Patterns With Sikhism Themes
- How to Carve a Lion Jack O Lantern Sikhi Style
- How to Carve an Ik Onkar or Khanda Sikhi Style Jack-O-Lantern
Readers Response - Share Your Thoughts and Expertise
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.
- Why Read Gurbani If You Don't Understand?
- Share a Gurbani Tuk (Verse), the Treasure of Guru Granth Sahib
- Sikhism Valentine - Send Prem dhey Theer, Spiritual Arrows of Love
- Should Sikhs Celebrate Easter?
- 1984 Delhi Massacre Memorial - Did You or Someone You Know Lose Loved Ones?
- Should Open Air Cremation be an Option in America?
- Suggest Hymns and Shabads Appropriate for a Sikh Funeral
- Is Suraj Kiran Milae an Appropriate Hymn For a Sikh Funeral?
- Did Sikh Gurus Practice Polygamy?
Words and Meanings
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.
- Amritdhari - Possessor of Amrit
- Anand Karaj - Blissful Business
- Antam - The Final Moment
- Bana - Sikh Spiritual Attire
- Kachhera - Sikh Undergarment
- Chola - Warrior Attire
- Kanga - Kakar - Sikh Comb
- Kara - Sikh Bangle
- Kes - Unshorn Hair
- Kirpan - Sikh Ceremonial Short Sword
- Nihang - Carefree
- Prashad - An Offering
- Sarbloh - All Iron Cookware
- Sikhism - The Sikh Religion
Baby Names and Meanings
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.
