Multi-Cultural Britain Sikhism

Sikhism: An Overview

!  Founded in the 16th century in the Punjab (now part of India and Pakistan) by Guru Nanak

!  Followed by nine more Gurus

!  Believe in one God

!  Good deeds - not rituals

!  Holy book = Guru Granth Sahib

Sikhism Today

!  Over 25 million Sikhs in the world today

!  Fifth largest world religion

!  Most (over 60%) still live in the Punjab

!  Sikhs meet and worship in Gurdwaras

!  Community of Sikhs is called the ‘Khalsa’

Vaisahki

!  13th April – Harvest Festival for thousands of years

!  Sikh New Year

!  Special significance for Sikhs since 17th Century

!  Celebrates the birth of Sikhism as we know it

1675 - A dark year for Sikhs

Guru Tegh Bahadur Emperor Aurangzeb

1699 – The Line in the Sand

Guru Gobind Singh

Vaisakhi Celebrations

Nagar kirtan procession

Sikhism in Britain

!  First Sikh – 1849

!  First Gurdwara in London – 1911

!  Many migrated in 50s and 60s during disruption in the Punjab

!  5-600,000 in UK today

!  Special laws – turbans and kirpans