Sikhism

Understanding the Kirpan

Sikhism

The Sikh religion is the youngest of the five major world religions.  It originated in northern India in the late 1400s, with its founder, Guru Nanak who was a spiritual teacher and social reformer. He directed people to meditate daily (nam japna), work hard (kirat karna), and share their earnings with others without discrimination (vand shakna).  These three enjoinders have become the pillars of Sikh society.  Read more »

STATEMENT BY THE WSO ON THE NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE AND ACTION ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Ottawa December 6, 2010: The World Sikh Organization of Canada commemorates the National Day of Remembrance and Action Violence Against Women. On December 6, 1989, a gunman opened fire and took the lives of 14 innocent young women at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal.

On this day, we face some very grim statistics about violence against women in Canada: Read more »

Recommended Readings

Recommended Readings coming soon

Sikh Holidays

Note: These dates and other events are also available in the calendar.
Diwali Friday, 5 November, 2010 (All day)

Festival of lights, marking the end of the year with fireworks and lanterns
Birth of Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Saturday, 20 November, 2010 (All day)

Commemorates the birth of the founder and First Guru of Sikh in 1469
Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur (Nanakshahi calendar) Wednesday, 24 November, 2010 (All day)

Commemoration of the death of the ninth guru of Sikh by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb
Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Tuesday, 4 January, 2011 (All day)

Anniversary of the birth of the tenth and last Sikh guru, in 1666
Maghi Thursday, 13 January, 2011 (All day)

Remembrance of the battle during which 40 Sikhs died on behalf of Guru Gobind Singh
Birthday of Guru Har Rai Sunday, 30 January, 2011 (All day)

Anniversary of the birth of the seventh guru in 1630
Hola Mohalla Wednesday, 2 February, 2011 - 00:00 - Friday, 4 February, 2011 - 00:00

Three-day festival of mock battles and military activities
Vaisakhi Tuesday, 12 April, 2011 (All day)

Harvest festival, marking the beginning of the Sikh solar year
Birthday of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sunday, 17 April, 2011 (All day)

Anniversary of the birth of the ninth guru in 1621
Birthday of Guru Angad Dev Sunday, 17 April, 2011 (All day)

Anniversary of the birth of the second guru in 1504
Birthday of Guru Nanak Thursday, 21 April, 2011 (All day)

Anniversary of the birth of the founder of Sikh in 1469
Birthday of Guru Arjan Dev Sunday, 1 May, 2011 (All day)

Anniversary of the birth of the fifth guru in 1563
Birthday of Guru Amar Das Sunday, 22 May, 2011 (All day)

Anniversary of the birth of the third guru in 1479
Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Wednesday, 15 June, 2011 (All day)

Anniversary of the death of the fifth guru
Birthday of Guru Har Krishan Friday, 22 July, 2011 (All day)

Anniversary of the birth of the eighth guru in 1656
Birthday of Guru Ram Das Monday, 10 October, 2011 (All day)

Anniversary of the birth of the fourth guru in 1534
Installation of Guru Granth Sahib Wednesday, 19 October, 2011 (All day)

Commemoration of Guru Arjan Dev Ji 's preparation of the Guru Granth Sahib (holy book of Sikhs) from 1563-1606
Bandi Chhor Divas Friday, 4 November, 2011 (All day)

Celebration of the safe return of Guru Har Gobind from imprisonment in 1619

What is Sikhism?

Sikhism is the fifth largest world religion with over 25 million devotees worldwide. It is a monotheistic religion founded in 1469, by Guru Nanak. It holds as its basic tenets, the equality of mankind, the equality of men and women, and the fundamental equality of all religions. Guru Nanak rejected idolatry and the caste system, and taught that there is a universal, genderless and formless God, who is accessible equally to all, irrespective of their race or religion. Read more »

Kirpan

The kirpan most closely resembles a sword in a metal sheath, which is wrapped in a fabric cloth (gathra). It is worn close to the body, either on top of or underneath one’s clothing. The kirpan serves as a reminder to a Sikh of his/her mortality. It is an enjoinder to make the most of one’s life, and to take personal responsibility to protect the weak and stand up against injustice.

Kachhera

The kachhera resembles boxer shorts, and is cotton underwear worn underneath one’s clothing. The kachhera reminds the Sikh of expected high moral character, fidelity, and restraint.

Kara

The Kara is an iron or steel bracelet worn on the wrist. The circular design of the kara signifies the oneness and eternity of God. By wearing it on the wrist, it is a reminder to the wearer to bind one’s will to the will of God. By wearing it on the wrist that one uses the most, it also serves as an enjoinder to a Sikh to use one’s hands for the benefit of humankind.

Kanga

The Kanga is a wooden comb representing orderliness and self-discipline. It is worn in the hair, and is used to keep the hair neat and tidy. The kanga represents hygiene as well as ridding oneself of what is morally undesirable.

Kesh

Kesh refers to the keeping of unshorn hair. The keeping of unshorn hair serves as a sign of respect for God’s creation and God’s will. The unshorn hair is to be covered at all times by a keski or dastar (turban). Some women choose to cover their heads with a scarf as well. The dastar is an integral part of Sikh identity, and serves as an outward form of recognition of Sikh men and women. It signifies a sign of humility and belief in equality between men and women.


  

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