Sikh Faith eModuleCreated in partnership with the World Sikh Organization

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Background

Q: What does “Sikh” mean??A: The word Sikh means student.

Q: Where do Sikhs come from?A: The Sikh faith was founded by Guru Nanak in 1469 in Punjab. Punjab is located in South Asia and is currently divided between India and Pakistan. Although most Sikhs have their roots in South Asia, and Punjab specifically, there are Sikhs of diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Guru Nanak himself travelled across the world including China and the Middle East teaching his message of the universality of One God and the unity of humanity.

Q: What do Sikhs believe?A: Sikhs believe in One God who is the creator and resides within creation. The purpose of human life is to unite the soul with God during one’s lifetime. This is possible through accepting the teachings of the Guru and following the “three golden rules,” namely, meditation on God’s name (nam japna), earning an honest living (kirat karna), and sharing one’s earnings with others (vand shakna).

Q: What is the Sri Guru Granth Sahib?A: Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the Sikh scripture enshrining the compositions of the Sikh Gurus and other saints and poets who united with God. The verses or bani are considered by Sikhs to be the divinely inspired word of God. The compositions of Sri Guru Granth Sahib are written in traditional musical measures or raags. The verses and hymns of Sri Guru Granth Sahib are reflections upon God and also establish moral guidelines for spiritual development and union with God. Sri Guru Granth Sahib is in musical form and composed in 31 raags or traditional musical measures and spans 1430 pages, known as angs or limbs.

Q: What is the Sikh language?A: Most Sikhs speak Punjabi and Sri Guru Granth Sahib is written in the Gurmukhi script. That having been said, the languages in Sri Guru Granth Sahib include Persian, Hindi, Braj and others.

Q: What is the gurdwara & langar?A: The Sikh place of worship is called the gurdwara or “door to the guru” and serves as the most important Sikh institution. Gurdwaras are open to all people regardless of gender, faith or culture. Sri Guru Granth Sahib is installed in each Gurdwara and the congregation engages in the contemplation and singing of verses along with discourses on Sikh history and spirituality. Each gurdwara contains a langar of free community kitchen where all persons are welcome to share a free vegetarian meal.

Q. Are there different types of Sikhs?A: As with many other faith groups, Sikhs have different levels of observance and also subgroups. A Sikh who has gone through the formal initiation into the Sikh faith is called an amritdhari or Khalsa Sikh and wears the Sikh articles of faith and has a daily discipline that includes reciting daily prayers and meditation. Initiation into the faith is a personal decision that is taken when an individual feels prepared to do so and only 10-15% make that choice. Sikhs who are not initiated have differing levels of observance.

Q: Do Sikh students need time to pray during school hours?A: Most will not. Sikh prayers traditionally take place in the early mornings, at sunset and before going to sleep. Some Sikh students may pray during the day but there are no mandatory prayers or meditations that must take place during school hours.

Sikh Articles of Faith

Q: What are the rules Sikhs follow?A: Sikhs follow the Rehit Maryada or Sikh code of conduct. The Rehit Maryada establishes guidelines for a spiritual lifestyle. This includes rising daily before sunrise for meditation and prayer and also giving one tenth of one’s income back to the community. In addition to basic rules of morality shared by people of all faiths, initiated Sikhs cannot cut or remove the hair on their body, use intoxicants such as tobacco or liquor, etc., eat meat or engage in extra-marital sexual relations.

Q: What are the Sikh articles of faith?A: Sikhs who are initiated into the Khalsa commit to follow the Sikh code of conduct. This includes a daily discipline of meditation and prayer and also wearing the five Sikh articles of faith or kakaars at all times. They are as follows:

1. kesh – unshorn hair symbolizing acceptance of God’s will; the hair must be kept covered at all times with a keski or dastaar (turban or head-covering) representing spiritual wisdom;

2. kangha – a wooden comb representing self-discipline; worn in the hair and used to keep it neat and tidy;

3. kara – an iron or steel bracelet worn on the wrist; the circle signifies the oneness and eternity of God and to use one’s hands for the benefit of humanity;

4. kachhera – cotton undergarment representing high moral character and restraint;

5. kirpan – a small stylized sword, which must be worn sheathed, restrained in a cloth belt, and next to the body; the kirpan signifies the duty of a Sikh to stand up against injustice. Most kirpans range in size from 6 to 9 inches in length.

Q: Do all Sikhs wear every one of these articles of faith?A: No. Only initiated or amritdhari Sikhs must wear all five. Sikhs choose when they wish to be initiated through a ceremony known as the "amrit sinchar". This may happen at a very early age, during the teenage years or whenever an individual feels ready to make the commitment. Prior to initiation, an individual may choose to wear which articles of faith they wish. For example, most Sikhs will wear the kara, but it would be highly unusual and unacceptable for an individual to wear the kirpan without also wearing the other four.

Q. Can I touch a student's articles of faith?A: Any touching of the Sikh articles of faith should only happen after obtaining informed consent. While the kara is easier to examine and many students will not object to individuals touching it, most Sikhs would object to others unnecessarily touching their kesh, turban or kirpan.

Q. Is there a particular size or shape for the kara?A: There are a variety of styles and shapes for karas. Some can be quite large while others are not. It is not against the beliefs of a Sikh to wear a smaller kara where required. That having been said, some karas have been worn for a long time and do not easily come off the hand or may not come off at all.

Q. What is the PDSB policy for the accommodation of the kirpan? What if a Sikh student's kirpan is showing?A: Although the PDSB requires that the kirpan should be worn underneath the clothing and concealed, it may be that a student is not familiar with this policy or the kirpan has inadvertently become visible. In such a situation, the student can discretely be asked to conceal the kirpan and allowed to do so in a private. If the kirpan has fallen out, the student should be allowed to immediately return it to its sheath. This does not happen often, but can happen when the sheath becomes loose due to age and wear and tear.

Q. How are the Sikh articles of faith accommodated during physical education classes?A: Where the kara could pose a safeety issue, an athletic band can be used to restrain and cover the kara. Similarly for the kirpan, the kirpan can be restrained or tied around the waist to prevent it from swinging or moving during physicial activity.

Q. Are there any concerns with respect to the Sikh articles of faith when a Sikh student goes on a field trip or class trip?A: Most if not all places in Canada accommodate the kirpan with the exception of prisons and airplanes. If a venue has a security screening protocol or helmets may be required, it is best to find out in advance if there is a particular accommodation policy for items like the kirpan and turban.

Hair/Dress

Q: Why don't Sikhs cut their hair?A: For Sikhs, uncut hair (from head to toe) is an article of faith. Hair is considered a part of the human body and is left unaltered (cut or dyed or otherwise styled) by observant Sikhs. Sikhs maintain the air in its natural form as a sign of accepting God's will.

Q: Do Sikh men keep their beards uncut as well? What about trimming or tying the beard?A: Religiously, Sikh men must keep their beards uncut. Some Sikh men however do trim their beards, but this is not sanctioned by the faith. Many religiously observant Sikh men choose not to tie their beards in any way but others may choose to tie or gel their beards. What's important of course is the individual's sincerely held personal belief which differs from person to person.

Q: Why do Sikhs cover their hair with a turban?A: From the time of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh faith, the turban became synonymous with the outward identity of a Sikh, and has continued to stand for the Sikh belief in gender equality, humility, and the supremacy of God.

For practicing Sikhs, the turban is essential to their identity, and removing it is inconceivable. The turban not only serves a spiritual function, as noted above (ie. to reflect the Sikh belief in gender equality, humility, and the supremacy of God), but also serves the practical function of covering, and keeping in place the uncut hair of a Sikh. The turban is not a religious symbol but an article of faith. While items like a crucifix or other jewelry are optional, the turban is mandatory and cannot be removed. Symbols are simply representations of the real object. The turban has a religious significance but it is much more than just a symbol. The identity of the Sikh is reflected in the wearing of the turban.

The turban is not like a hat in that it cannot simply be put on and taken off. It is carefully tied every day. It is worn at all times indoors and outdoors by observant Sikhs. There are various styles and sizes of turban. Younger children often wear a patka which is a square piece of cloth tied on the head. At home or for sleep, a smaller turban or keski is worn in place of the larger turban. Depending on personal preference, wearers choose different colours or fabrics for the turban.

Q: When do Sikhs start tying turbans?A: The first turban is usually tied in childhood and can be a patka (small turban) or a keski. The transition to a larger turban can take place later, either in middle school or high school, or may be worn from childhood.

Q: Does the color of the turban matter?A: No. The color of the turban is based on personal preference.

Q: Do girls and women also keep uncut hair and wear turbans?A: Yes, many do. Women are considered completely equal to men and have the same rights and obligations. As such, Sikh women follow the same religious code of conduct. The Sikh Gurus were well before their time and declared that gender discrimination was wrong and spoke out against practices such as ritual impurity, the burning of widows (‘Sati’) and mandatory veiling of women. Many Sikh girls and women wear turbans while others may cover their heads with a scarf or other head-cover.

Q: How long does it take to tie a turban?A: Depending on the style of the turban, it can take anywhere between three minutes and fifteen minutes. Smaller turbans take less time to tie.

Q: How long is the fabric for a turban?A: A turban is usually between three yards to eight yards. It does not seem as long when it is properly tied because it is folded.

Q: What if a student's turban falls off during physical activity?A: Depending on the age, the student may be able to re-tie the turban. The student should be allowed to go to a private area with a mirror in order to do so. Where a student is younger and is unable to re-tie the turban, it may be best to discuss this scenario with parents in advance of such an incident occurring. Where the turban in question is a patka, it is not difficult to re-tie (link to a video here?) and teachers may be able to assist in the re-tying.

Plan of action Another thing we really need to think about, especially when a Sikh child is young and wears a turban, or a patka, or a joora with a rumal on it, is to make sure there is a plan of action if it comes off. You can have a Sikh child from an older grade put on the patka, or the rumal, or the turban. You can use it as a learning opportunity and have a parent come in to give a tutorial. Also, the Peel board’s Sikh module has a great tutorial on patka tying. You may use any of these resources to make sure you have a plan of action. It is really important that a child doesn’t feel that they’re in trouble or gets sent to the office for the day. We want to make sure that their well-being is taken care of.Q. But I know Sikhs who don't wear a turban and cut their hair? A: Just as in any community there are different levels of observance. Many people who self-identify as Sikh do not keep the Sikh articles of faith. That is a personal choice and each person progresses on their spiritual journey at a different pace.

Q: What arrangements can be made when students with uncut hair and a turban go on overnight school trips?

A: In some instances, Sikh students feel they cannot attend an overnight school trip because there will be an issue with managing the turban and uncut hair. This should be discussed with the Sikh student and student's parents in advance of the trip. Where the student is younger, parents may ask a teacher or supervisor to assist with the tying of the turban and combing of the hair. In other instances, the student will be able to manage by themselves.

Q: What can be done where a helmet is required but a student is wearing a turban?

A: Where an activity requires a helmet for safety reasons, it is best to discuss the options with the student and the student's parents. Some students may be comfortable with wearing a helmet over top of a smaller turban or adjusting the hair to allow for a fit. Other students may wish not to cover their turbans with a helmet, in which case religious accommodation should be provided and an alternative activity may be discussed or the student may be permitted to abstain from the activity.

Food & Diet

Q. Do Sikhs have any dietary restrictions?A: It's best to ask the individual. Many observant and amritdhari Sikhs observe a lacto-vegetarian diet as a part of their beliefs. Others only avoid religiously prepared meat such as Halal and Kosher. Where Halal or Kosher is being served, it is important to inform the parents of the Sikh child and obtain consent. Vegetarian options should also be made available.

The Sikh faith also restricts the use of intoxicants such as liquor and tobacco.

Some Sikhs may also observe a religious diet in which the food is prepared at home while reciting prayers and will therefore not eat food that is prepared outside in places such as a school cafeteria or in restaurants.

Dietary diversity

Some Sikh children are vegetarian. Some Sikh children only eat food that’s made from home. Some Sikh children will eat all varieties of foods and have a non-vegetarian diet. Just as a Jewish child has to eat Kosher food, and a Muslim child has to eat Halal food, it’s really important to know that most of the time, a Sikh child will not eat Halal or Kosher food. When you’re having a pizza party, you have to be mindful that a Halal pizza won’t cover the dietary requirements for all of our students.

Q. What is traditional Sikh food?A: The Sikh langar or meal served at the Gurdwara is always lacto-vegetarian and is usually Punjabi. Most Sikhs will eat a mixture of Punjabi and Western foods at home.

Gender Issues

Q: Are boys favoured over girls in the Sikh community?A: According to the Sikh faith, all people are equal, regardless of gender, nationality, religion or race. Therefore, from a strictly religious perspective, the Sikh faith is completely egalitarian and there is complete equality between boys and girls. That having been said, South Asian cultures are traditionally patriarchal and as a result, many families that come from India, regardless of religion, do not treat girls in the same way as boys. Q: Do girls have to cover their legs during physical education classes?Practicing Sikhs are to dress modestly but the interpretation of this is left to the individual. Some Sikh girls may feel uncomfortable with bare legs and may choose to wear pants or leggings. Similarly with swimming, some Sikh girls may not feel comfortable wearing a swimsuit and may wish to wear a t-shirt over top or something more modest.

Q: What is the Sikh attitude towards dating?A: Traditionally, Sikh marriages have been arranged, meaning individuals are suggested possible matches by family and friends or alternatively inform their family of their own choice of a partner and the families then help to finalize the marriage. Dating has traditionally not taken place and is discouraged in many families. That having been said many Sikhs do date. They may or may not do so with the knowledge and support of their family.

Sikh Holidays & Commemorations

Q: Why do some Sikh students go to India for an extended period?A: Many Sikh students have roots in India and vacations to India are common in order to visit family. Because of the distance and cost involved, these visits often last several weeks. There may or may not be a religious element to such a trip such as a pilgrimage to historical Sikh gurdwaras. The duration of such trips should be discussed with parents along with suggestions to reduce the impact on the student's academic progress.

Q: What are the major Sikh holidays and celebrations? Will Sikh students take the day off for Sikh holidays?A: There are many Sikh celebrations, but the ones that are celebrated most widely are the Birth anniversaries of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh, Vaisakhi, Bandi Chhor Divas (Diwali) and Holla Mohalla. (See Peel Faith Forward Calendar). It depends on the students and their families. Some students may take the day off in order to attend the Gurdwara or celebrate with family and others may not. Many Sikh students do take the day off for the major holidays mentioned above.

Q: How do Sikhs mark holidays and special occasions?A: The Sri Guru Granth Sahib may be recited from start to end in a ceremony called an akhand paath, which takes 48 hours. This can take place either at the Gurdwara or sometimes even at home. The reading often starts on a Friday and concludes on the Sunday. Some students may take the Friday off in order to attend.

During Vaisakhi, Sikhs participate in parades called Nagar Kirtans in which thousands of Sikhs follow the Sri Guru Granth Sahib in processions while singing verses. Many non-Sikhs also participate in these events and come to see the vibrant colours and enjoy the free food.

Be aware of holy days for all faiths

Something else that you might want to consider is reviewing the Peel board’s Holy Days and Holidays Calendar to get to know all of the faiths that are in your classroom. Make sure you look at those special days that Sikhs celebrate or honour. If you are in the higher grades, try not to schedule an evaluative summative near those days or on those dates. In the younger grades it’s an opportunity to look at parents as partners - have them come in and talk about those days that are honoured and share some of those stories and narratives. As we know, children are the curriculum and they bring the curriculum into the classroom. This is a great way to honour parents as partners in learning about Sikhs in the classroom.

Q: Is Bhangra a Sikh religious dance?A: Bhangra is a Punjabi folk dance with no religious significance. Some Sikhs may choose to dance the Bhangra while others may feel uncomfortable doing so for personal or religious reasons. Q: What is Sikh Music?A: Sikh music is based on the Sikh scriptures which are composed in traditional Raags. Many students know how to play instruments such as the harmonium and tabla which are used to accompany the singing of Sikh verses. Other more traditional Sikh instruments are stringed such as the dilruba, saranda and taus.

Teacher Classroom Tips

Every student practices their faith differentlyOne really important thing to recognize is that every Sikh child in your classroom practices their faith differently from every other Sikh child. Just like that famous Ted Talk by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - The Danger of a Single Story, it’s really important that we don’t paint our idea of a child that practices a Sikh faith with the same paintbrush. We need to recognize the diversity in religious practice.

Learn proper pronunciation of namesA great way for educators to be more inclusive to Sikhs is to learn how to pronounce students names appropriately and accurately at the beginning of the school year. If you are putting that extra effort into pronouncing them correctly, it will show that you care. The proper pronunciation of the Sikh faith is “sik”, not “seek”. “Seek” is the colonialized way of pronouncing it. Using “sik” is a reclamation of how to pronounce the faith name correctly.

Local resources – Canadian Sikh historyA great way for educators to connect Canadian and Sikh history in your classroom is to access local resources. There is a book called A Lion’s Mane by Navjot Kaur that was illustrated by a Peel graduate named Jaspreet Sandhu. She would be a great person to come into your classroom to do readings and activities.

Other local resources include the Peel Art Museum and Archives (PAMA). There is a great exhibit during the month of April for Sikh Heritage Month. A lot of the art and programming that is showcased is created by Peel students. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn more and a great way to incorporate that into the curriculum.

Another local place is the Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada, located in Malton. It’s a great way to connect to primary resources for World War I and World War II for your history class.

There’s also the partnership Peel has with SAFAR - the Sikh Feminist Research Institute and the Peel board’s Sharing Our Journeys conferences.

There is a podcast run by three young historians called the Nameless Collective that explores Canadian Sikh history through the Komagata Maru and South Asian and Sikh immigration.

Make all students feel like they belongA Sikh parent once told me a story about his son who wears a patka to school. Every day he would wear different colors, even a tie dye-coloured version. The teachers would not say much to him. One day he received a funky hat as a gift. He wore it to school and all the teachers were commenting on how amazing his hat was. He didn’t take the hat off for a month.

Sometimes as educators we mean well, but we tend not to talk about things in our classroom that we are not familiar or comfortable with. It is important to recognize we may have stereotypes, biases and prejudgments, but also that we are in a safe place to ask questions. We can ask students or parents questions about anything that we are curious about in an appropriate setting. You may want to ask privately, or you might even think it’s a learning opportunity for the whole class and ask in front of the class. Just be aware that we’re trying to create a great environment. If we have a growth mindset to learn, we can bring that feeling and that kind of atmosphere in our classrooms. Our students can always be learning through inquiry to make sure that every Sikh student and all students feel like they belong in your classroom.