The costume of Sikhs consist of turbans. These turbans are required for men, while woman can choose to wear them. (Sikhs.org, 2011). Khalsa, high-ranking Sikhs, wear a uniform of golden robes and blue sashes. (Ganeri, 28). They also never cut their hair; they must keep their hair clean, they may choose to wear a steel bracelet, they are required to wear undergarments for the legs, and they can wear a kirpan, a ceremonial sword. See three paragraphs down for more detail. (Sikhs.org, 2011).
Sikhs do not believe in what they call “blind rituals”. This includes fasting, going to places of pilgrimage, superstitions, and worshipping the dead and idols. One ritual would be reading the Sikh’s holy book, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, at different ceremonies and celebrations. Another ritual that occurs at these times is the drinking Amrit, which is sweet water. Karah Prashad, the Sikh sacred pudding, is eaten as a ritual, also. (Sikhs.org, 2011).
One celebration the Sikhs have is called Nam Karan. This is the unique way a Sikh child is named. The mom and newborn go to the gurdwara, the temple, as soon as possible. Their family accompanies them. At the gurdwara, cheerful hymns are read pertaining to the happiness of another family member. Sacred pudding called Karah Prashad is eaten. The mother and her child also drink Amrit, or sweet water. The granthi then takes Hukam, which is the opening of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib to a random page and reading the hymn there. The first letter of that particular hymn will be the first letter of the child’s name. (Sikhs.org, 2011).
Another celebration is Amrit Sanskar. This is the baptism of a Khalsa. This is a sacred ceremony. The Sikh that is becoming a Khalsa, or an initiate, must meet the requirements and wholly be a true Sikh. This baptism is done is a quiet place. The Sikh must have clean hair and clothes, he or she must have their head covered, and he or she must have the 5K’s. The 5K’s are Kesh: Hair that has never been cut, Kangha: A comb, Kara: A steel bracelet, Kachha: Drawers or undergarments for the legs, and Kirpan: A ceremonial sword. Kesh represents holiness and Kangha represents cleanliness and perseverance. Kara represents limitation and the thinking of God all the times. Kachha represents purity and willpower to stay true to oneself. Finally, Kirpan represents the pride and the fight against unfairness. (Sikhs.org, 2011).
There will be five Khalsa participating in the ceremony, while the sixth will be reading from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The values of a Sikh is then described to the initiate, next is the prayer Ardas, and then Hukam is done. (About.com Sikhism, 2012). Amrit is made and stirred by the 5 Khalsa and a Kirpan. More is read from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Ardas is said again, and then the Khalsa to-be drinks the Amrit from his or her hands while saying, Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh. Translation: The Pure Belong to God, Victory to God. The hair and eyes of the initiate is then lightly watered with the rest of the Amrit. All of the rules and requirements of being a Khalsa is then told to the Sikh, followed by the reciting of Ardas, Hukam, and the consuming of the sacred pudding. If the initiate does not already have a Sikh name, they will then be given one. (Sikhs.org, 2011).
The Akhand Path is the reading of the whole Sri Guru Granth Sahib for about 48 hours straight by a family or expert readers. This ceremony may be for good or bad times. The Bhog ceremony finishes up the Akhand Path, then Hukam, and finally Karah Prashad, the sacred pudding, is eaten. (Sikhs.org, 2011).
Gurpurbs are significant anniversaries that have to do with the lives of the Gurus. These are celebrated with a shortened Akhand Path that ends on the day. Kirtan, the musical singing of hymns from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, may also be sung to celebrate. In addition, katha, or lectures on the religion, are preached in celebration. (Sikhs.org, 2011).
The beginnings of the Khalsa are celebrated by Baisakhi. Sikhs may go to a gurdwara, attend a festival or parade, or even become baptized as a Khalsa on this day. (Sikhs.org, 2011).
The Bandi Chhor Divasi is a celebration that happens every year. The original Bandi Chhor Divasi happened in 1619 when the Guru Hargobind was released from a prison and took 52 Hindu princes/prisoners with him, freeing them all. Lights were lit on the Golden Temple in happiness that the Guru had come back! Lights are lit every year on gurdwaras and the Golden Tempe itself. (Sikhs.org, 2011).
The Maghi is the day where gurdwaras are visited and kirtan is listened to, honoring the forty disciples of the Guru Gobind Singh. These disciples had previously left the Guru, but returned to fight a battle for him. Unfortunately, these Sikhs perished. They are martyrs, and are called the Forty Immortals. (Sikhs.org, 2011).
Hola Mohalla is a yearly festival that occurs on March 17. There, Sikhs have fake battles, military drills, horseback riding, poetry, and music. Preaching and kirtan can also be heard at this festival. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib is always nearby. (Sikhs.org, 2011).
Another ceremony is the Sikh funeral. Hymns are read, and the body is cremated. During this process, the prayers, Kirtan Sohila and Ardas, are said. (About.com Sikhism, 2012). The ashes are put into the nearest river. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib is read at intervals for ten days. (Sikhs.org, 2011).
in para2 amrit should be written as holy water
ReplyDeletenoy sweet water
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