A 500 year old, monotheistic religion of Northwest India, followed by some 26 million

World’s 5th largest religion

“There is no Muslim, there is no Hindu; all are equal human beings because they are the children of the same Father, God.“ – Guru Nanak

Guru Nanak (1469-1538) Hindu by birth and upbringingInfluenced by the Bhakti and Sant

tradition of medieval northwest IndiaDrew his own disciples (“sikhs”)

following a mystical realization in 1499 - Sikhs are disciples of the gurus and of the ultimate (wahe) guru, God

Preached a unifying message that overcame religious differences, uniting both Hindu and Muslim in common devotion to the same God

Rejected meaningless ritual, images and idols of gods in favor of simple, heartfelt devotion

Monotheistic

One God (whom people call by many names)Sat Nam (“true name”), Waheguru

(“great guru”)Equality of all human beings (reject

caste distinctions)Karma and reincarnationThe spirit of the guru (Nanak)

continued for 200 years through a succession of ten human gurus…

The Sikh place of worship is called a gurdwara, which means house of God. Wherever Sikhs go, they build a gurdwara as a place to worship and meet each other.

Sri Harimandir Sahib, commonly referred to as the "Golden Temple," is the world's most famous gurdwara.

Sikhs have a way to show their commitment to their religion: they wear five articles of faith, called kakkars or

"5 K's.“.

• Kachhera: The kachhera, a cotton undergarment, reminds Sikhs of their modesty.

• Kanga: The kanga, a small wooden comb, represents cleanliness and taking care of yourself.

• Kara: a steel bracelet. Symbolizes strength and integrity

• Kes: Sikhs do not cut their hair in order to maintain the way their bodies were given to them. Most men and some women wrap their long hair in a turban. Almost all people you see wearing turbans in the United States are Sikhs.

• Kirpan: The kirpan, a small religious sword, represents a commitment to justice.

Vaisakhi: April 13th, anniversary of founding of the Khalsa

Guru Nanak’s birthday (November)