Sikhism is the fifth-largest monotheistic religion on the globe, founded in 15^th century Punjab, India.

Sikhism with 26 million followers worldwide, evolved in 15^th century India based on the teachings of ten Sikh Gurus. The religious philosophy (Gurmat) includes salvation through faith, justice and personal meditation on God’s message. Guru Granth Sahib is their decree and the holy book. Sikhism traditions and beliefs are interrelated with history, society and culture of Punjab. 

History

The founder of Sikhism was Nanak (1469–1538). God and religion fascinated him so consequently he became missionary. In 1538, he chose his disciple Lahiṇa (Angad Dev) to succeed the leadership. He played a pivotal role in spreading the teachings of Nanak via a standardized sacred script referred as Gurmukhi.

Amar Das at the age of 73 in 1552 became the third Sikh guru. He preached the principle of equality for women, prohibiting veiling (purdah) and sati (practice of widow burning on the pyre of her deceased husband). He invented the concept of community lunch (langar) at the Gurudwara, anyone visited the Gurudwara could eat laṅgar there. He trained both men and women apostles to spread and manage the rapid expansion of the religion. He chose his son-in-law Jetha as the fourth Sikh guru.

Jetha (Ram Das) was responsile for the establishment of city of Amritsar. In 1581, Arjan Dev- youngest son of Ram Das became the fifth Sikh leader. He was responsible for building the Golden Temple and preparation of sacred text - Adi Granth that includes the teachings of first five gurus and other free-thinking Muslim and Hindu saints.

Hargobind was the sixth leader and he carried two swords, one for spiritual and the other for secular reason. Harkrishan was the seventh leader under whose leadership, the Sikh community grew as an organized society, trained to fight and defend their independence.

Tegh Bahadur remained the eighth guru until 1675, when Emperor Aurangzeb executed him for protecting a delegation of Kashmiri Pandits who refused to convert to Islam.

His son, Gobind Rai (Gobing Singh) succeeded him at the age of nine years, he further militarised his followers in conjunction with religious beliefs, and formed the fighting clan - Khalsa in 1699. Before his death, he ordered the ultimate spiritual authority would be Guru Granth Sahib and temporal authority vested in the Khalsa Panth.

Baba Banda Singh Bahadur became the last (tenth) leader of the Sikh and was responsible for several attacks on the Mughal Empire.

Customs and Rituals

Marriage ceremony is complete when couples circle the Guru Granth Sahib four times. Divorce is prohibited in the religion; however, couples seeking separation can knock the doors of the court.

Christening ceremony performed by randomly opening the page of the holy book and using the first letter available on the top left hand corner of the left page. Boys christened with the middle name as Singh, and girls with the middle name Kaur.

Upon death, the body usually cremated, however, other means employed in absence of the usual ceremony. The funeral ceremony completed with prayers (ardas) and hymns (kirtan sohila).

Prayers offered twice in the day- early morning and evening for two hours each.

Festivals

Festivals centred on the lives of the Gurus and Sikh martyrs, and these include:

Gurpurabs celebrates the birthdays of the Sikh gurus.  

Baisakhi celebrates the Sikh New Year and the foundation day of Khalsa.

Bandi Chhor Divas celebrates the release of Guru Hargobind from the Gwalior Fort along with Hindu kings, imprisoned by Emperor Jahangir in 1619.

Hola Mohalla displays the warrior skills of Khalsa Panth and occurs immediately after Holi.