The Sikh Culture

99% of people wearing turbans in America are Sikhs Sikhs wear Turbans Sikhism is a very “visible religion

Sikhism is the 5th Largest Religion in the World Christianity – 2 billion Islam – 1.3 billion Hinduism – 900 million Buddhism – 360 million Sikhism – 22 million Judaism – 14 million Source: www.adherents .com

Sikhism developed a High Moral Code of Conduct DOs Equality of all Humanity Freedom and Liberty for all Sharing DONTs Smoking Drugs Alcohol Spiritual Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib (The Sikh scripture)

Equality of Women No Caste System 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”

Defender of Rights and Fighter of Oppression Defend Rights (Key Aspects of Sikhism) Saint-Soldier Defender of Rights and Fighter of Oppression

Community Kitchen 24/7/365 - Free Free Hospitals and Clinics 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)

Meditation Martial Arts (Gatka) Balanced Life (Key Aspects of Sikhism) Meditation Remembrance of God Martial Arts (Gatka) Sword Fighting

SPIRITUALITY GOOD DEEDS CLEANLINESS SELF DISCIPLINE Sikh’s are given a Unique Identity symbolizing discipline and spirituality All Sikhs wear 5 Articles of Faith Uncut Hair (Kesh) SPIRITUALITY Iron Bracelet (Kara) GOOD DEEDS Sword (Kirpan) PROTECTION Comb (Kanga) CLEANLINESS Long Underpants (Kachera) SELF DISCIPLINE

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

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

World Marathon Record Holder Fauja Singh – 99 years old

Rabbi Shergill Waris Ahluwalia Snatam Kaur Lonnie Smith Hollywood, MTV, Jazz Rabbi Shergill Waris Ahluwalia Snatam Kaur Lonnie Smith

Modern Day Sikhs Continue the Tradition of Global Peacekeepers

Festivals and Cultural Events Guru Nanak’s Birthday December Baisakhi (Spring Festival) Sikh New Year

Sikh Americans –Freedom and Equality for all

Questions and Answers Why do you wear a turban? How long is the turban and does the color mean anything? When do you have to wear a turban? How long is your hair? Why are so many people named SINGH and KAUR? Do you have any other religious restrictions?

Questions and Answers Why do you wear a turban? Sikhs wear turbans to cover their long hair which is a requirement of their religion How long is the turban and does the color mean anything? 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? 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? Hair length varies from shoulder length to waist length. Hair stops growing after a while. Why are so many people named SINGH and KAUR? Equality! Do you have any other religious restrictions? Smoking, drugs and alcohol are prohibited for obvious reasons.