The Sikh Culture Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 1 99% of people wearing turbans in America are Sikhs • Sikhs wear Turbans • Sikhism is a very “visible religion Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 2 Sikhism is the 5th Largest Religion in the World 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Christianity – 2 billion Islam – 1.3 billion Hinduism – 900 million Buddhism – 360 million Sikhism – 22 million Judaism – 14 million Source: www.adherents .com Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 3 Sikhism is the Newest Major Religion in the World 2000 BC 1000 BC 0 1000 AD 2000 AD Hinduism Hinduism Judaism Judaism Jainism Jainism Buddhism Buddhism Taoism Taoism Shinto Shinto Christianity Christianity Sikhism Sikhism Source: Experiencing World Religions, M Malloy Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 4 1469: Guru Nanak - Birth of a Revolutionary At that time Land divided by Hindu/Islam religions Ruled by invaders from Persia & Afghanistan Rich exploited the poor Strict Castes (Untouchables had no rights) Women had no role Superstitions & Rituals Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council Guru means “Spiritual Enlightener” Spread the revelation across 8000 miles on foot Defender of human rights and equality Tolerant of other’s perspective and freedom of choice Often used metaphor and analogy to communicate 5 The Ten Gurus (1469-1708) 1. Guru Nanak Dev ji (1469-1539)- one god, freedom, equality 2. Guru Angand Dev ji (1504-1552– Gurmukhi Script, Gyms, Food “Langar” halls 3. Guru Amar Das ji (1479-1574)– Women’s rights (anti Sati, veil, child marriage) 4. Guru Ram Das ji (1534-1581)– city of Amritsar, international trade, marriage ceremony 5. Guru Arjan Dev ji (1563-1606)– wrote Guru Granth Sahib, tithe tradition, executed by Emperor Jehangir 6. Guru Hargobind ji (1595-1644)– Saint-Soldier, formed military, first war with muslim ruler 7. Guru Har Rai ji (1630-1661)- 360 Sikh Centers 8. Guru Har Krishan ji (1656-1664)– Delhi presence, healthcare 9. Guru Tegh Bahadur ji (1621-1675)– sacrifice for Hindu religion 10. Guru Gobind Singh ji (1666-1708)– the Khalsa, 5 articles of faith, many wars Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 6 Sikhism has a High Moral Code of Conduct DOs Equality of all Humanity Freedom and Liberty for all Strong work ethic Follow the Guru’s Path Protect yours and others rights Selfless Service and Sharing Men and Women have same rights Spiritual, Mental and Physical balance DONTs Smoking Drugs Alcohol Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council Spiritual Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib (The Sikh scripture) 7 Equality (Key Aspects of Sikhism) Equality of Women “Women are equal” – Guru Nanak (16th Century) Gurdwara( Sikh Temple) Four Doors – always open to all religions Mai Bhago No Caste System “Singh” and “Kaur” Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 8 Defend Rights (Key Aspects of Sikhism) Saint-Soldier Defender of Rights and Fighter of Oppression Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 9 Service (Key Aspects of Sikhism) Community Kitchen 24/7/365 - Free Signifies sharing and universal brotherhood Free Hospitals and Clinics Bhagat Puran Singh (Father Teresa) Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 10 Balanced Life (Key Aspects of Sikhism) Meditation Remembrance of God Martial Arts (Gatka) Sword Fighting Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 11 Sikh’s are given a Unique Identity symbolizing discipline and spirituality All Sikhs wear 5 Articles of Faith Iron Bracelet (Kara) GOOD DEEDS Uncut Hair (Kesh) SPIRITUALITY Sword (Kirpan) PROTECTION Comb (Kanga) CLEANLINESS Long Underpants (Kachera) SELF DISCIPLINE Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 12 After the Gurus 1670 - 1850 1670-1716 Banda Bahadur 1718-1783 – Jassa Singh Ahluwalia United Sikhs all over 1762 – Sixth Afghan Invasion Most respected and feared General of the Sikhs 40,000 strong army; The great Holocaust (30,000 Sikhs killed) 1780 – 1839 – Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ruler of Punjab – only area independent of British Empire; included Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kashmir First Modern Indian Army – The Sikh Khalsa army; artillery; European generals; exists even today as most highly decorated army in the world Focused on Art, Equality, abolished death penalty Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 13 British Occupation and World Wars 1850-1945 1845 1st Anglo-Sikh War 1849 2nd Anglo-Sikh War 1857 Sikh Mutiny 1860 onwards – relative peace World War I (1914-1918) Sikhs liberated France as part of British Army; fought in Africa and Turkey World War II (1939-1945) Sikhs fought against Japan and Germany Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council Kesur Singh Queen’s Army, 1897 14 Independence from British 1947 1947 India and Pakistan Punjab split in HALF 1 million dead; 10 million injured; 30 million homeless Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 15 Sikhs came to America over a 100 years ago • Sikhs came from India • There are half a million Sikhs today in North America • Sikhs live in over 60 countries San Francisco Chronicle, April 6, 1899 Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 16 Sikhs are– doctors, engineers, teachers, scientists, and athletes Nuvraj Bassi, 6’6”, 290 lbs, Defensive Tackle, Univ of Oregon, Oregon Simran Singh, Captain Soccer O’Connor High School, Texas Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 17 World Marathon Record Holder Fauja Singh – 99 years old Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 18 Hollywood, MTV, Jazz Rabbi Shergill Waris Ahluwalia Snatam Kaur Lonnie Smith Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 19 Modern Day Sikhs Continue the Tradition of Global Peacekeepers Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 20 Festivals and Cultural Events Guru Nanak’s Birthday December Baisakhi (Spring Festival) Sikh New Year Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 21 The Turban - encapsulates the spirit of saint-soldier and the values a Sikh aims to live by Mandatory – not a social or cultural article. Symbolic of sovereignty of humans. Always be recognized and duty bound to offer help. Sikhs wearing it for the last 500 years. Removal of turban in public is tantamount to a strip search. Stand for social justice of all people. Tell All Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council I I I I I I uphold truth uphold justice have discipline have integrity am humble am spiritual 22 Sikh Americans –Freedom and Equality for all Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 23 Questions and Answers 1. Why do you wear a turban? 2. How long is the turban and does the color mean anything? 3. When do you have to wear a turban? 4. How long is your hair? 5. Why are so many people named SINGH and KAUR? 6. Do you have any other religious restrictions? Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 24 Questions and Answers 1. Why do you wear a turban? 2. How long is the turban and does the color mean anything? 3. Hair length varies from shoulder length to waist length. Hair stops growing after a while. Why are so many people named SINGH and KAUR? 6. You can wear a turban wherever and whenever. For sports a smaller scarf-like turban, sometimes called a mini-turban, is worn. How long is your hair? 5. A turban is 10-15 feet long and is tied every time. You can wear any color. When do you have to wear a turban? 4. Sikhs wear turbans to cover their long hair which is a requirement of their religion Equality! Do you have any other religious restrictions? Smoking, drugs and alcohol are prohibited for obvious reasons. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 25