Worship Traditions of Sikhism and Commemorative Holidays
By Sukhmandir Khalsa, About.com Guide
- The Gurdwara
- Historic Gurdwaras and Shrines
- Central Traditions
- Worship and Scripture of Guru Granth Sahib
- Hymns, Gurbani Kirtan, Shabads, Prayers and Verses
- Sikh Holidays
- 2013 Sikhism Holidays
- 2012 Sikhism Holidays
- Share Your Worship Experiences
- Sikhs and Festivities of Other Faiths
- Picture Dictionary Of Sikh Words and Meanings
The Gurdwara
The gurdwara is the central meeting place for Sikhs. Find out how a worship service is conducted and who takes part.
- All About the Sikh Gurdwara
- Before You Visit the Gurdwara
- Sikh Gurdwara Illustrated
- Gurdwara Langar Kitchen and Dining Hall Illustrated
Historic Gurdwaras and Shrines
Historic gurdwaras and shrines commemorate many sites important to Sikh history. Learn about the events which make them important to Sikhism here.
- Gurdwaras and Sacred Shrines of Sikh History
- Historical Gurdwaras of Nankana, Pakistan
- Renovated Gurdwara of Modern Day Nankana
- Gurdwara Goindwal Baoli, the Well of 84 Steps
- Historic Gurdwaras of Patna
- Patna, the Birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh
- Historic Gurdwaras of Chamkaur
- Muktsar 5 Shrines Commemorating the 40 Liberated Ones
- Bhai Joga Singh Gurdwara of Peshawar, Pakistan
- History of the Golden Temple Harmandir Sahib
- Please Share Your Visit to a Historic Gurdwara or Sikh Shrine
Central Traditions
The marital history, tradition of servitude, and worship in Sikhism is based on the ideals of humility, the equality of all humanity, and the integral relationship of creator and creation.
- All About Sikhism Ceremonies and Celebrations
- The Illustrated Sikh Initiation Ceremony of Amrit
- The Sikh Tradition of Selfless Service
- All About the Sikh Tradition of Kirtan
- Kirtan for Every Occasion
- Night so Beautiful! A Gallery Of All Night Worship in Song
- International Disaster Relief Principle of Seva
- All About Langar and the Guru's Free Kitchen
- Langar, the Sikh Dining Tradition
- Gurdwara Langar Kitchen and Dining Hall Illustrated
Worship and Scripture of Guru Granth Sahib
Reading scripture is an important part of Sikhism worship. The code of conduct advises every Sikh to read the holy scripture Guru Granth Sahib through entirely on a regular basis as part of personal worship. A complete reading of scripture is also performed before any occasion or ceremony celebrating an important life event.
- The Guru Granth, Sikhism’s Holy Scripture
- Who are the Authors of The Guru Granth Sahib?
- What is the Significance of Raag in Guru Granth Sahib?
- Random Verse Hukam, the Divine Command
- What You Need To Know Before You Read a Random Verse Hukam
- Read Entire Guru Granth Akhand Paath Sadharan Paath or Sehaj Paath
- How To Read Akhand Paath Ceremonial Protocol Illustrated
- Read Guru Granth in Under a Year 10 Free Schedules
- 2 Free Akhand Paath Schedules
Hymns, Gurbani Kirtan, Shabads, Prayers and Verses
The shabads, or hymns of Gurbani (Sikh scripture), are exquisite prayerful poetry in praise of the divine. Verses are traditionally recited, or sung as kirtan during worship services, and on special occasions for important life events. Find hymns here appropriate for weddings, birthdays, initiation, and holidays, for affirming health and wealth, to give encouragement during hard times, and to comfort the bereaved at funerals.
- Kirtan - Adoration
- Amrit Kirtan - Hymns of Immortal Nectar
- All About the Sikh Tradition of Kirtan
- Hymn of Who is a Sikh: "Gur Satigur Kaa Jo Sikh Akhaa-ae"
- Sikh Hymns, Prayers and Blessings for All Occasions
- Hymns of Anand Karaj Sikh Wedding Ceremony
- Healing Hymn: "Mera Bad Guru Govinda"
- Hymns of Hope and Blessings for a Child
- Hymn for Healing: "Simar Simar Kattae Sabh Rog"
- Sikh Funeral Hymns, Prayers, and Verses
- Gurbani Kirtan CD's by Gurmat Gian Group: Review
Sikh Holidays
Festive commemorative occasions are an integral part of Sikh worship. Find out how Sikh holidays are celebrated.
- Sikh Holidays, a List of Important Dates (Nanakshahi Calendar)
- All About Sikhism Ceremonies and Celebrations
- Sikh Celebrations and Festivities
- Hola Mohalla, Sikh Martial Arts Parade and Gatka Exhibition
- All About Vaisakhi Celebrations and History
- Annual NYC Sikh Day Parade
- History and Holiday of Bandi Chhor and Diwali
- Guru Gadee, the Inauguration Holiday
- All About Yuba City Nagar Kirtan Parade
- Ten Tips For Attending Nagar Kirtan
- Five Things to Take Along to Yuba City Nagar Kirtan Parade
- Yuba City Annual Sikh Parade Illustrated
- Don't Rain on My (Yuba City Nagar Kirtan) Parade
- Guru Nanak's Birthday Celebrations
- Guru Nanak's 530th Birthday in Modern Nankana Illustrated
- 1984 Delhi Massacre Memorial - Did You or Someone You Know Lose Loved Ones?
2013 Sikhism Holidays
Sikhism holidays have both fixed and fluctuating dates in 2013 and are based on conversions from ancient East Indian lunar calendars to modern Western calendars. Find out here when gurpurab commemorative events and holidays are observed and celebrated in 2013 and find a free calendar featuring marathon runner Bhai Fauja Singh.
2012 Sikhism Holidays
Sikhism holidays in 2012 are based on conversions from ancient revolving calendars to modern calendars with fixed and fluctuating dates. Find out here when gurpurab commemorative events and holidays are observed and celebrated in 2012.
- Free 2012 Golden Temple Gurpurab Calendar With Gurbani Quote
- What Are 2012 Sikhism Holidays and Gurpurab Dates For Nanakshahi Year 544?
- When is Hola Mohalla 2012?
- When is Nanakshahi New Year 544 in 2012?
- When is Vaisakhi Day 2012?
- When is the Annual NYC Sikh Parade 2012?
- When is Guru Granth Sahib Guru Gadee Divas 2012?
- When is the Yuba City Annual Sikh Parade 2012?
- When is Bandi Chhor 2012?
- When is Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Birthday Gurpurab 2012 Nanakshahi 543 / 544?
- When is Guru Angad Dev Ji's Birthday Gurpurab 2012 Nanakshahi 543 / 544?
- When is Guru Amar Das Ji's Birthday Gurpurab in 2012 Nanakshahi 543 / 544?
- When is Guru Raam Das Ji's Birthday Gurpurab 2012 Nanakshahi 543 / 544?
- When is Guru Arjun Dev Ji's Birthday Gurpurab 2012 Nanakshahi 543 / 544?
- When is Guru Har Govind Ji's Birthday Gurpurab 2012 Nanakshahi 543 / 544?
- When is Guru Har Rai Ji's Birthday Gurpurab 2012 Nanakshahi 543/544?
- When is Guru Har Krishan Jis Birthday Gurpurab 2012 Nanakshahi 544
- When is Guru Teg Bahadar Ji's Birthday Gurpurab 2012 Nanakshahi 543 / 544?
- When is Guru Gobind Singh's Birthday 2012?
Share Your Worship Experiences
Have you visited a historic gurdwara or shrine? Have participated in or attended a Nagar Kiran parade or other Sikh festival. Share your worship experiences and insights here with our readers.
- Have You Visited a Historic Gurdwara or Sikh Shrine?
- What Do You Enjoy Most About the Nagar Kirtan Parade?
Sikhs and Festivities of Other Faiths
Should Sikhs participate in secular holidays or festivities observed by other faiths which are not a part of Sikhism? Find facts here to help you decide.
- Is Celebrating National Holidays a Good Idea For Sikhs?
- Is Valentine’s Day a Good Idea for Sikhs?
- Send a Sikhism Valentine With Spiritual Arrows of Love
- Is Easter a Good Idea for Sikhs?
- Should Sikhs Celebrate Easter? Share Your Reason
- Is Halloween a Good Idea for Sikhs?
- Is Thanksgiving Day a Good Idea For Sikhs?
- What Are You Thankful For?
- Is Christmas a Good Idea for Sikhs?
- Bandi Chhor and Diwali
- Hola Mohalla and Holi
Picture Dictionary Of Sikh Words and Meanings
Many words commonly used in Sikhism are of Indian origin. Learn the meanings of terms which are essential to understanding the worship traditions, commemorative celebrations, and historic holidays of Sikhism.