Sikhism

How did the religion develop? Did someone found the religion?
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion, developed in the Punjab Region by Guru Nanak Dev. Nanak Dev was interested in religion from an early age, and spent lots of his time with the local Fakirs, or in religious contemplation. After this, Nanak Dev travelled around India, to cities like Baghdad, Medina and Mecca in order to learn more about the peoples religious practices. When he returned, he took to leading his new followers with the teachings he had received from God, and writing many hymns to express his ideas.

The founder of the religion Guru Nanak Dev found this religion and was born in the village Rai Bhoi di Talwandi near the Ravi River (today's Pakistan). He was interested in poetry and singing. After some years, his poetry and singing became his meditation. One day, when he was at the age of 28, he went to the Ravi river to meditation and to bathe. He was gone for three days and when he came back, he was filled with the spirit of God and he started to spread his teachings that he had learned. He made four major journeys to spread Sikhism. His first trip to spread his teachings in Bengal and Assam. After this, he went to Andhra and Tamil Nadu.The third trip to Kashmir, Ladakh and Tibet. The last trip was to Mecca and Baghdad. Finally he returned to his home village and spread his teachings.

The religion was founded by Guru Nanak. He was born in a village called Rai Bhoi di Talwandi,Punjab (now Pakistan). He travel around places like Baghdad,Mecca,Kashmir,Punjab to spread his thoughts. But then Babar put him in jail because he convinced other people that Guru Nanak was a bad man.

Are there any important days? Which ones? What happens on those days?
In Sikhism, there are no formal “festivals” however, the most commemorated days in this religion are those centered around the lives of the Gurus and Sikh martyrs. Gurpurabs are celebrations based on the lives of the Sikh gurus. Birthdays and Martyrs are commonly celebrated among the people. The birthdays of Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Gobind Singh are the most celebrated of all the ten Gurpurabs. There are also shaheedi Gurpurabs, which mark the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev and Guru Tegh Bahadur. Since 2011, on March 14th, the Gurpurab of Guru Har Rai Sahib has been celebrated as Sikh Vatavaran Diswas,which translate to Sikh Environment Day. This day is celebrated by clearing rubbish and planting trees. On the 13th of April, Sikhs celebrate Visakhi, which is the day when t he tenth Guru, Gobind Singh, inaugurated the Khalsa, the 11th body of Guru Granth Sahib and leader of Sikhs for eternity. On the 26th of october Sikhs celebrate Guru Hargobind's release from the Gwalior Fort. This celebration is called Bandi Chhor. Sikhs celebrate Hola Mohalla the day after Holi, (spring festival of colors) which usually falls in March. Hola Mohalla is celebrated by the Khalsa gathering at Anandpur and displaying their individual and team warrior skills, including fighting and riding. This celebration bears much resemblance to the olympics.

The followings days are importat in Sikhism

**Vasaki** is the most important festival in the Sikh calendar because it is the sikh new year. It also reminds the sikhs about the year 1699 because that is when Sikhism became a collective religion.

**Hola Mahalla** is a festival that starts in the lunar month of “Chet in the Nanakshahi calendar” and it follows the Hindu festival Holi. Even though in Holi, people throw dry colors in the air. On Hola Mahalla, the people shows their unique battle skills in a mimicked battle. The festival goes on for three days with mocked battles, horse back riding and other feats of bravery. The participants perform daring feats such as the Ganthka, a mjocked battle with real weapons.

**Diwali** is celebrated by the sikhs because it was the prison release of the sixth guru called Guru Hargobind and 52 other princes with him in 1619 by the Emperor Janhangir. The emperor allowed the guru to leave the prison. The Guru asked him to release the 52 princes too, but the emperor only allowed the princes out who were holding on to the guru's cloak thinking he was going to limit the amount of prisoners that could escape, but the Guru had a 52 piece of cloth long cloak, so all the princes could get out by holding the gurus cloak. On this day lamps are lit just like in the hindu tradition. And people celebrate.

**Maghi** is a festival that celebrates the war won by the forty followrs of Guru Gobind Sigh and they won the battle against the Mughal forces. The people usually visit guruwadas(holy buildings) and listen to kirtan (hyms).

**Gurpurds** are the birthdays of the Gurus that Sikhs celebrate. There are ten overall gurus, so there ten days that Gurpurds are celebrated.

Here are a list of some of the festivals in Sikhism: Guru Nanak Jayanti: It is the birthday of Guru Nanak. People go to the Gurudwara and attend a prayer. Later they have a get together communal meal called LANGAR

Guru Gobind Singh jayanti: It is the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh. People go to the Gurudwara and attend a prayer. Later they have a get together communal meal called LANGAR

Hola Mahalla: This is a festival marking the day when Guru Gobind Singh decided to identify a day where people could practice military and combat training. On this day, Sikhs assemble and display and exhibit their military and warrior skills.

Vaisakhi: It is the baptism ceremony for the Sikhs.

Gurpurbs: It is a day when the people read the holy book entirely for 48 hours in a Gurdwara. The Gurdwaras are decorated nicely and they eat feast and celebrate the day

How many gods does the religion have?
The Sikh religion is centered around ten Gurus from 1469 to 1708 <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #9900ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, which are teachers or mentors for Sikh people. Each Guru added to the message given by the previous one, resulting in the Sikh religion. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #9900ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Guru Nanak Dev was the first Guru.

Sikhism is monotheistic. It has only has one God. This God is not fully described. These are the teachings that Guru Nanak Dev passed on to the people of Sikhism about God:
 * 1) God is neither male or female.
 * 2) God is eternal truth and gods power goes beyond the cycle of life and death, timeless and self existence.
 * 3) God created the world for people to use and enjoy.
 * 4) God created people and made them so that they know the difference between good and bad.
 * 5) God rests in everyones hearts but only the ones he blesses can see him.
 * 6) God is available to everyone.
 * 7) No pictures of God are worshipped only the Grace of the Guru means worship.

The Sikh believe in the existence of one GOD. Sikhs believe that a GOD has created all of us and we should all be treated equally. The God is called “Ik Onkar” which means one God in Gurmukhi. Gurmukhi is the script in which Punjabi language is spoken and Guru Granth Sahib is written in Gurmukhi

How do the followers contact or pray to their gods?
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #9900ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sikh people have a word in persian called Ardas. This word can be translated to mean a request or prayer. This prayer is recited before undertaking a task which they request help of support from their god. this prayer is also said before eating. It is usually done while standing with folded hands.

Sikhism has prayers that are performed in the morning, evening and bedtime. This list shows the time of the prayer and what it is called:
 * 1) Morning Prayer - Japji Sahib
 * 2) Evening Prayer - Rehas
 * 3) Bedtime- Kirtan Sohila

Prayers are usually performed by sitting, standing, repeating, reading or listening. There is no specific place that the prayers have to be done, but when the prayers are performed the person who is listening or reciting the prayer must sit or stand facing the Guru.

Sikhs sing the hymns from the Guru Granth Shaib. They can do this while sitting or standing. Also their head should be covered while performing the prayers. During the prayers their hands should be folded.

What are the rules? What do people have to do in their lifetime?
There are eleven do’s and don'ts in Sikhism that ensure no one is selfish or sinful and that everyone lives by the teachings of the Gurus. 1. Respect every race without discriminating against them in any way. 2. Give to the less fortunate and share what you have. 3.Perform services that will better your community, but not for selfish reasons. 4. Earn money in an honest way. 5. Help people that cannot help themselves. 6. All hair must remain uncut and unaltered. 7. Remember to recite prayers daily. 8. Recognize the one true god. 9. Treat everyone as you would treat a sibling. (Spouses are an exception). 10. Become <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #9900ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"> initiated as Khalsa (baptized) and wear the five articles of faith. (See, “Is there any special clothing?”) 11. Follow the teachings of the Gurus and take guidance from the scripture Do not:


 * 1) Do not worship idols or anything other than the one true god.
 * 2) Do not defy another human
 * 3) Regard men and women as equals
 * 4) Do not pray to demigods.
 * 5) Do not believe in superstitions, horoscopes astrology
 * 6) Do not be involved in illegal activities or associate with sinful people.
 * 7) Do not cut or alter any hair
 * 8) Do not have sexual relations with anyone other than your spouse once you are married, or before you become married.
 * 9) Do not eat meat of an animal that has been sacrificed.
 * 10) Do not be superstitious or take part it superstitious rituals.
 * 11) Do not use drugs or become intoxicated.

The main goal of Sikhism is to help the human race overcome ego and greediness. So there is an outline of Dos and Don'ts, so that humans do not fall into the trap of a egocentric life.

The Rules in Sikhism :
 * 1) Treat all living organisms the same no matter race, skin color, gender, caste etc.
 * 2) People men especially can never cut their hair
 * 3) Drugs and other intoxications are forbidden but, Nihangs from Punjab take infusion to help meditation
 * 4) They must be faithful to each other
 * 5) Obsession of a specific wealth of material
 * 6) Bragging, lying, and Slader was also forbidden
 * 7) Must earn an income with hard work and real employment honestly
 * 8) Sacrificing of animals is forbidden during holy occasions
 * 9) Recite daily prayers everyday.
 * 10) Hair must be covered when entering a Gurwada
 * 11) Do not practice or follow and astrology and horoscopes.
 * 12) Do not be included in an non-honest activities such as stealing, murder etc.
 * 13) Live a honest and humble life.
 * 14) Do not claim any human as god.
 * 15) Do not alter the hair on the head or any other part of the body

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">There are many rules that Sikh need to follow. Here are some of them.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1) Do not intoxicate yourself.and stay away from alcohol consumption, drugs <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">2) Don’t cut your body hair. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3) Respect women as much as men <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4) Earn money while working hard. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">5) Do not sacrifice animals on any occasion like holy occasion etc. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">6) Sikh is forbidden to consume meat of an animal slaughtered following a certain religious method called Dhabihah (Halal). <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">7) Sikh can become a Granthi, Agranthi is a person who looks after the Guru Granth Sahib since sikhs do not have any priests. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">8) A Sikh can not live like a Beggar,Monk and Yogi but has to live life of a Sikh Saint-Soldier. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">9) Too much of Greed <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">10) You have to be nice and faithful to anyone. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">11) Do not believe in Superstitions and rituals.. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">12) Do not rob, hurt or kill fellow human beings. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">13) Don’t say bad things about anyone’s race,culture, religion. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">14) Woman should not wear any veil. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">15) Live a humble and simple life.

Are there any sacred books? What are they called?

Sikhism has two important books:

**Guru Granth Sahib**: The Guru Granth was a manuscript created by the tenth Guru claiming it to be the guidance of the people forever after his life and the Guru Grath Sahib was treated like another Guru and Human being.



**Dasam Granth** : The Dasam Granth is the orignal composition of the Guru Gobind Singh.

Both of these books contained Ideas and guidelines for the future.

<span style="color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">The sacred book of the Sikhs is called the Guru Granth Sahib. The book is full of hymns called Shabads in Punjabi. There is a chauri or a red cloth waved kept over it. 974 hymns have come from Guru Nanak and many come from other Gurus. The Guru Granth Sahib is considered as the last Guru in Sikhism and lays down the guiding principles for followers of Sikhism.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #9900ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The sacred text for Sikhs is called the Guru granth and contains enlightenment Gobind singh, the tenth guru, declared this book to be his eternal successor. The guru granth is the last in the Sikh gurus lineage and can therefore never be replaced. it contains poems from Guru Nanak and from six other Gurus throughout history. It also has passages from Surfis, an Hindu holy men. People must take off their shoes when in presence of the scripture and must never turn their backs on it. At festivals, the Scriptures are read continuously from beginning to end, which takes about forty-eight hours.

What do the holy buildings look like?
The buldings where the prayers are performed are called the Gurudwara. All Gurudwara buldings will have a flag showing the Khanda which is the Sikhism holy symbol. Gurudwaras means "The gateway to the Guru (God)". The Gurudwaras is the resting place of the Guru Granth Sabib. The Gurudwaras have a courtyard and inside the courtyard there is one big building with a dome like structure at the top. The people have to wash their feet before entering the Gurudwara like in a Hindu temple. Most of the time, there is a area filled with water before the Gurudwara, so that the people can wash their feet.



<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The holy buildings are called. On the top there is a round thing shaped like a dome.There is some water in front of the Gurudwara so that you can wash your feet. There is always flag on the top which has their symbol (Khanda). Inside the Gurudwara there is a hallway where people can sit and sing the prayers. Also there is a Guru Granth Sahib under a red cloth. The cloth has got the Ik onkar (one god) sign in it. When sikhs enter the Gurdwara,they have to bow to the Guru Granth Sahib which shows that they respect the teachings of the Gurus. After this they can have a Langar which is a big meal. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Here is the picture of the golden Gurdwara.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #9900ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The place of worship for Sikhs is called the Gurdwara, which means “Gateway to the Guru.” It is called this because it is where the <span style="background-color: #f2fcfe; color: #9900ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Guru Granth Sahib is kept. There are five Gurdwaras that have special significance in Sikhism. They are known as the five Takhts (thrones). Many important decisions regarding the Social lives of the Sikhs were made there. The most famous and arguably the most beautiful is <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #9900ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Golden Gurdwara. It is the most honored pace in Punjab India. In June 1985 the building was severely damaged in an army attack. This was quite traumatic for the people, but they managed to get past the initial shock and immediately began working to restore it to its former glory.

What happens to you when you die?
Sikh people believe the soul lives on long after the body has died. After someone dies, it is not the end. Their souls can still influence other events. They also believe in reincarnation, one’s soul can take different forms after death, until it is purified and becomes one with god. The Gurus guide the people in how they can become merged with god, much like a river guides water into the ocean. If someone lives selfishly, or sinfully, the cycle of birth and death will be endless. Only when one seeks salvation from god do they become one with god. if you lived as a good person, but did not know or follow god, you will be reincarnated as a human being, giving you another chance to get close to god, if you have not made an effort to follow god, you will be born again as one of the other 8.4 million species.

The people of sikhism are strong believers of recreation, so the person goes through different life forms before they finally become one with God. And when the soul joins, it is like being given salvation and there is no pain or suffering. This is narrated by God through the Sikh Gurus. The Sikhs also believe that we are souls that after death just join back with god. This means that, their souls become one with god so you apart in God. A person has to go through 8.4 million reincarnations before their soul can join god. And if the person has been sinful, they will have to suffer a painful and hard afterlife.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sikhs believe that life needs to go through 8,400,000 forms before going to Waheguru. It can only go to Waheguru if it has followed the rules that a Sikh needs to follow. If it does not, then you will never be reborn and your soul won’t reach to Waheguru. Then Waheguru will see what you have done in the past and can give you rebirth according to how well you did or how bad you did. For example. If you did really well in your first birth, then you will be something good in your second one.

Are there any religious symbols and?
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #9900ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">one of the religious symbols in to represent their universal god, called ik ōaṅkār. This symbol is made by joining three images. The first image is called the Khanda. a double edged sword. This represents that the people only believe in one, all-powerful god. The chakkah is a circle, which shows that their god is without an end, and reminds the people to love ik ōaṅkār eternally. Behind the Khanda there are two crossed kirpans (curved blades) which represent the power and authority of god.

One of the important religious symbol is the Khanda. The Khanda, is a Double edged sword, is a symbol of divine knowlegde and its sharp edges symbolizes the separation of truth from falsehood. There is a circle around the sword called the Chakar and this symbolizes the perfestion of God who is eternal. The surrounding the Chakar are the two swords called the Kirpans. These symbolize the emphasize that a Sikh must place on aspirations and at the same time complete his responsiblities in society. There are the the two letters spelling "Ik Onakar" meaning the "One God" in Punjabi.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The religious symbol is called the Khanda. It shows a sword that is sharp on both sides. It also has a circle in between which shows that god is always present for you. The swords remind sikhs to be for the truth and help people in need. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The sikhs write in their language called punjabi. That is how most of the writings (including their holy book) is written in.

Is there any special clothing?
There is something called the five Ks in clothing. These K's are the guide for clothing and all sikhs were to keep all five K's :
 * Kesh means uncut hair, so that means that Sikhs are not allowed to cut their hair. And they put their hair up into a turban because it shows their obedience to God.
 * The Kanga is the comb that the Sikhs wear to show cleanness. It reminds them to keep their lives in order and to comb away impure thoughts.
 * Kara is a braclet made of steel without a beging or end just like God without a beging or end. And it reminds the person to behave well, keep faith and perform their duties.
 * Kaccha is a short. It is knee lenght and it is worn by all of the baptised Sikhs. It reminds them of the battle of to do right and it shows spritual freedom.
 * Kirpan is a sword worn by the Sihks and it is show as a symbol of self respect and dignity. It reminds the Sikhs must fight a spritual battle, defend the weak and opressed and uphold the truth.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Sikh people have something called the five k’s. Here are the names and what they are used for: <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Kesh is hair in Punjabi. This is so that they are just as how god have made them. When Sikhs are young, they wear patkas since they never cut their hair. When they grow big, they need to wear a turban for that.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Kara is a steel bracelet. It reminds them of god and to do something good for him.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Kirpan is a ceremonial mini dagger. It shows them to stand for what is the truth.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Kanga is a comb. Sikhs carry them for a sign of cleanliness.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Kacchera are shorts. They are worn under a Sikh’s clothes to show goodness and action.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sikh women wear a long scarf called chunni. Under that they have a beautiful Punjabi dress called salwar kameez

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #9900ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Bana is the word used for spiritual attire worn by men and women in Sikhism. Full Bana includes:


 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #9900ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A turban. the most popular colors of turbans are, black, white, saffron and blue.
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #9900ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">modest clothing usually consisting of a plain knee length top and loose-fitting drawstring pants.


 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #9900ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #9900ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: baseline;">Five attributes of faith, (Kakars) called the <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #9900ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: baseline;">Kachhera, Kanga, Kara, Kesh, and Kirpan. the Kachhera is a loose fitting modest undergarment that allows people to move while doing daily activities. The kanga is a wooden comb used to clean their hair in the morning and evening. This is important because it is against Sikhism to cut your hair, so Sikhs must take special precautions to keep it clean. The Kara is an iron or steel ring worn on the wrist in order to protect it while in battle. It is also a reminder of the connection between the Sikhs and the Guru. Kesh is hais, which must remain uncut to symbolize their faith. During their lifetime it will become very long and hard to maintain so people often wear turbans to keep it neat and tidy. The Kirpan is a dagger which is used to represent the spiritual battles one may face. Nowadays, people wear a very small one to symbolize self respect and dignity.

Where is the religion most common?
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #9900ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">75% of Sikhs live in the Punjab region of India. Sikhs make up about 60% of this state’s population. The second largest communities of Sikhs live in Indian State of Haryana. They have about 1.1 million sikhs according to the 2001 census.

This religion is most common in India, especially in the state of Punjab. There are 90.2% of Sikhs in Pujab in India.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The religion is most common in a state called Punjab,India. That state makes around 90.2 % of Sikhs in the world.

How many people believe in the religion?
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #9900ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">75% of Sikhs live in the Punjab region of India. Sikhs make up about 60% of this state’s population. The second largest communities of Sikhs live in Indian State of Haryana. They have about 1.1 million sikhs according to the 2001 census.

There are 23.8 million people in the world.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">There are around 23,778,796 Sikhs in the world.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Who are the 10 Gurus in Sikhism?
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The 10 gurus are:

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Guru Nanak

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Guru Angad

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Guru Amar Das

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Guru Ram Das

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Guru Arjan

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Guru Hargobind

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Guru Har Rai

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Guru Har Krishna (the child guru)

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Guru Teg Bahadur

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Guru Gobind Singh

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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">They don't cut their hair to show respect to the god's creation. It also reminds that they should obey how god made them. ======

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Why was Sikhism created?
<span style="color: #00ff00; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">It was created by Guru Gobind Singh in the Mughal rule in India. He thought that there should be some people that can appose the Mughals because they use to tax non-Muslims in India. They also use to do things even worse then that to non-Muslims in India. So he set up an army of men called Sikhs that would do the job. The Sikhs had to follow certain rules that are in the other question. You might notice that some of the rules are opposite of the rules that Hindu's follow. That is because the Sikhs did not have enough time to have rituals. They also had to be nice to the citizens since they were trying to appose the Mughals. This is the reason of why Sikhism was created

Nothing existed except for the true God. There are no sun, earth, or moon. There were no days and nights. There was no air, water, birth, death or planets. Then, at his will the universe came to one piece. A hot nebula created all the planets. Then, the true Lord created air and the air gave birth to water. The water brought forth life. And even now the True Lord is inside his own creation.
 * How did universe begin according to Sikh beliefs ? **

The main service is the manual labour to the society. Whenever, there is a holy celebration, there is a free lunch that is served to the pilgrams no matter what religion or gender. Also, there is always free lunch in the Gurudwara to serve the pilgrams. Also And this was a regular duty that the Sikhs had to perform, especially the holy men( the people who are devoted to God).
 * What service must Sikhs serve their society? **

After the birth of the child, they are taken to a Gurdwara for a naming ceremony. In this ceremony many prayers are recited for the child. After this, the Guru Granth Sahib is opened to a random page and the hymn from that page is recited. The first letter of the child's name is the first letter of the first word of thins hymn. The word "Kaur" (princess) is added after a girls name, and the word "Singh" (lion) after a boys name.
 * How do Sikhs name their children? **

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