Hannah, Emma, Georgia, Rachel.

ORIGINS OF THE SIKH RELIGION. Sikhism originates from the Punjab area of South Asia (India and Pakistan in the present day). The Sikh faith began around 1500 CE. At the time, the main religions were Hindusim and Islam. What Guru Nanak began teaching was a faith that was very different from these religions. Guru Nanak was the first Guru and nine Gurus followed him and developed the Sikh faith and community. The word Guru means ‘wise teacher’.

Guru Nanak Guru Nanak was the first guru or the founder of Sikhism. At around 30 years old he mysteriously disappeared for a few days when he returned he remained silent for one day. When he spoke again he told everyone of his visit with god and began to preach his beliefs to both Muslims and Hindus. He undertook 4 journeys to preach to people in the Punjab region of Asia before settling in a village located in northern India. People then came to settle near him and follow his teachings and sing hyms he composed, these people were considered the first Sikhs. Each guru chooses the next guru, Sikhs believe all the gurus shared guru Nanaks spirit. It is said that the gurus are like lamps lit from each other. Guru Angad He provided education for young people and encouraged the Sikhs to study. He developed the Gurmukhi alphabet which all Sikh scriptures are written in. He also began the building f the Gurdwaras for Sikhs to worship in. Guru Amar Das He planned an expansion of the sikh religion. He began the custom of the Sikhs meeting at festival times so he could meet them all. He continued Nanaks teachings on eating together and everyone who came to see him ate the langar the meal which everyone ate together.

Guru Ram Das He continued the building of the Sikh city Amritsar encouraging tradesmen to settle there. He is also remembered for composing the lavan the wedding hymn played at all Sikh weddings. Guru Arjan He was the first Sikh born guru. He built a beautiful Gurdwara in Amritsar, the Harimander Sahib. This is sometimes referred to as the golden temple and is the holiest building in the world for Sikhs. He collected writing from the first four gurus, himself, Muslim and Hindu holy men and organised them into a special holy book the Adi Granth. This book is kept in the golden temple. Guru Har Gobind He realised that the Sikhs needed to form an army to protect themselves and dedicated his life to making sure Sikhs were excellent fighters. Guru Har Rai He worked to make Sikhism stronger. During his time as guru Sikhism spread more widely throughout northern India. He also worked to open hospitals and dispensaries to treat the poor Guru Har Krishan He was only 5 when he became guru and is remembered for how he cared for people. He died (aged 8) caring for people with smallpox when he caught the disease himself. Guru Tegh Bahadur He is remembered with pride because he died refusing to give up his religion. Guru Gobind Singh He became guru at only 9 years old. He is remembered as the next most important guru after guru Nanak. He began the Khalsa, the fellowship of Sikhs who are full members of the religion. He also decided there would be no more living gurus, he said that the holy book contained the teachings of all the gurus and that this would be their only teacher from then on. Since that time the holy book has been known as The Guru Granth Sahib.

WHERE DO SIKHS PRAY? Sikhs pray at a Gurdwara.

COMMUNITY KITCHEN. Sikhs call their Community Kitchen a ‘ langar’.

SIKHS HOLY BOOK. The Sikh holy book is called the Guru Granth Sahib. It is kept in the main prayer hall and rests on cushions and is covered in cloths. The Guru Granth Sahib is written in Panjabi so Sikhs learn this from an early age.

SIKH FESTIVALS. Vaisakhi Festival This festival happens on 14 th April. On this day a long time ago, Sikhs were asked to wear the Five K’s. The Guru Granth Sahib is carried on a float. Children sing and march with a band and they have a street procession to celebrate Vaisakhi. Guru Nanak’s Birthday On the birthdays of the Guru’s, Sikhs get presents of new clothes and go to the Gurdwara wearing them. They send cards and sweets to friends to bless them and wish them a happy time. Sikh children give pocket money to charity.

THE 5 K’S. The Khalsa is a group of people who are true to the Sikh teachings. They follow very strict rules and one of these is to wear the 5 K's at all times.

THE 5 K’S. The Kesh is the name for the hair that is never cut. Guru Gobind Sikh thinks that hair should be allowed to grow naturally and that men should not shave. During the time the Guru was around many men let their hair become tangled and dirty, which showed to others how Holy they were and how committed they were to their religion, as they were not thinking about their body. The Guru did not agree with this and although he says that hair should be allowed to grow naturally, it should be kept clean and should be combed at least twice a day.

THE 5 K’S. The Kangha is a small wooden comb which keeps the hair fixed in place and is a symbol of cleanliness. Part of the Sikhism religion is to stay clean and tidy, as well as leading an organised life.

THE 5 K’S. The Kirpan is a short sword that reminds Sikhs about their duty to fight against evil. It should never be used for attack, only defence and may be up to a metre long (although most Sikhs carry one which is about 10cm long). It is usually kept in a special wooden case which is fixed to a strap over the persons shoulder.

THE 5 K’S. The Kara is a plain steel bangle which is worn on the right wrist as a symbol, not as a piece of jewellery. It is a complete circle, reminding Sikhs that there is only on God and one truth, without beginning or end. The steel reminds them of the strength they must have when fighting for which is right.

THE 5 K’S. The Kachera are short trousers, worn as underwear. They were introduced around the time of the Guru when most people in India wear loose, long clothes. The Guru said that the change in style was a symbol of people leaving behind old ideas and following better ones. The Kachera are also more practical, especially when worn in battle. The turban is not one of the 5 K's, although most male Sikhs and some female Sikhs wear them.