Sikh

Origin

Sikhism arose around 1500 in Punjab, northern India, with Guru Nanak. Nine more gurus followed. The tenth, Guru Gobind Singh, founded the Khalsa in 1699.

Beliefs and practice

Sikhs believe in one God, the equality of all people and honest work. Worship and the shared meal (langar) in the gurdwara are open to everyone. The holy book is the Guru Granth Sahib. Many wear a turban and the five articles of faith.

Spread

Sikhism long stayed limited to Punjab. In the 19th and 20th centuries many Sikhs emigrated to Britain, Canada, the USA and East Africa.

Today

There are about 25 to 30 million Sikhs, the large majority in Indian Punjab. They are the fifth-largest organized religion in the world.

Good to know

• The Golden Temple in Amritsar is the most important shrine.
• In the langar everyone gets a free meal.
• Sikh means “student”.