The Sikh Missionary Society U.K. is a registered VISITING A charity, with the sole purpose of providing Who are the knowledge and information on , i.e. ' Usually, a Gurdwara is open all day to public, religious philosophy, history, heritage, culture and including any non-Sikh visitors. However, one is traditions etc. Its new building has provision for expected to observe the following etiquette before holding seminars, conferences, Akhand Paths, SIKHS? entering the prayer hall or the hall (eatery). Panjabi language classes, music classes ete.

One must appropriately cover his/her head; a scarf The National Sikh Resource Centre presumably RECOGNISE HUMAN RACE AS ONE or a large handkerchief is regarded as preferable to the largest in U.K., is housed in the Society's a hat or a cap for a non-turbaned visitor. Most premises equipped with thousands of books, have a free supply of suitable scarves, artefacts and other audiovisual materials on Sikhs NE GOD which may be borrowed during the visit. Visitors and Sikhism, both in Panjabi and English produced O must take off their shoes and place them on the by reputable persons. L IN A F racks or space provided at the entrance. N IN R I T The Society also publishes its own Sikh literature E E T

and quality books in learning Panjabi language, as E Under no circumstances should a visitor be in well as greeting cards for the new year and such possession of any tobacco product, alcoholic drink occasions. T or drug, nor should he/she have consumed any, or E L M A be under its influence, at the time of the visit. Every year the society organises a highly successful P U O IT Gurmat Camp for young Sikhs which promotes R A IR P Community living the Gurmat way and consists of L S On entering the prayer hall, it is obligatory for every lectures, talks and discussions; indoor and outdoor activities. Sikh, young and old, to show the utmost respect to the holy book, Granth Sahib Ji. Sikhs usually Situated at 8 -10 Feather Stone Road, Southall, bow down on their knees, often touching the floor (UB2 5AA) The Sikh Missionary Society U.K. has with their foreheads. been serving the global Sikh community for nearly (However, a non-Sikh visitor may do so by a simple bowing gesture, The Sikh Insignia or standing still for a second and then moving away with a respectful four decades. nod). Our knowledgeable staff members have many years of experience in the Sikh faith and are Sikhs are a warm, It is regarded as discourteous to sit or stand with committed to providing expert knowledge whilst dealing with the public enquiries personally. one’s back to the Guru Granth, or to stretch one’s affectionate and progressive community feet towards the holy Granth while sitting. Similarly, with a global outlook. Students and staff from schools, colleges and clapping is not allowed in the congregation hall. universities are welcome to seek information on Their faith stands for Sikh faith and culture during its opening hours, daily love, harmony, equality, service and charity. from 11AM to 6PM Groups of students and teachers from local This global outlook school and colleges intending to visit the For further information, please phone 020 8574 makes them proud and Gurdwara must apply to the management in 1902. or www.sikhmissionarysociety.org faithful citizens of the country advance. email: [email protected] they live in. Sikhism, the youngest of major religions of the The Sikh turban is most respected part of a Sikh GURPURB & world, was founded by Dev Ji in the attire. It is fairly distinct and easily recognisable for NAGAR KEERTAN 2nd half of the 15th century. It is a positive, spiritually its snugness and shape. It can be of any colour, oriented and life affirming philosophy as manifest blue, black, white, red, orange etc. Sikh women may through the divine sermons inscribed in the holy A Sikh festival or holy day is called Gurpurb. It is a or may not wear turban. Ji. ‘Remembrance Day’ celebrated in honour of the Guru. The occasion reminds and inspires Sikhs of The holy scripture of the Sikhs is called Sri The homeland of the Sikhs is Panjab, India. Guru’s teachings and good deeds. Among Sikhs, a Guru Granth Sahib Ji, which is all in verse and in There are about 20 million Sikhs in the world. At Gurpurb generates a lot of religious fervour and praise of God. Its key message is related to the least 12 million live in Panjab, the rest in other parts enthusiasm, producing a feeling of joy and realities of life and our existence in this world. of India and abroad e.g. U.K., U.S.A., Canada, happiness, fellowship and devotion. Europe, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore etc. One of the ways, Sikhs like to celebrate a Gurpurb, The basic belief of the Sikhs is, that there is only is by sharing their joy and excitement in the open, one God, the Truth, The Creator, the Timeless being, The Heritage Language of the Sikhs is with the wider community, in the form of a hymn not-incarnate, but self existent. The popular Sikh Panjabi. It is written in the original indigenous script, singing procession or carnival through the major word for God is (wonderful Lord). later named as Gurmukhi, which indeed is derived streets of the town. This is called Nagar Keertan. (By from the ancient Indian script called Brahami. the way, this provides a good opportunity to let all communities know A Sikh place of worship is called a Gurdwara. who are the Sikhs?). A Gurdwara is open to all visitors, whether Sikhs or The Sikh Community in general, constitutes The Nagar Keertan requires lot of planning and non-Sikhs, as long as one is not under the influence very energetic and enduring people, who are also of a drug, tobacco or alcohol. Tea and warm discipline, as well as, co-operation of the local well known in India for their outstanding contribution vegetarian meals, called Langar, are readily police. In general, it involves hundreds and in farming, sports and military services. Hospitality available to everybody. thousands of Sikh men, women and children, who as well as chivalry remains an integral part of their are walking, reciting holy hymns and enjoying the social life. In the words of Sir Alexander Burnes: festive occasion. in the world, is Sri The holiest Sikh place “The Sikh nation is very large hearted. In spite of Harmander Sahib, popularly known as the Golden racial differences they co-exist with others happily The procession is led by Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Temple. It is situated in the holy city of , and remain kind hearted.” seated in a Palki (a kind of decorated throne) on a which is in Panjab, India. purpose built float, escorted by a body of troopers ------constituting 5 specially dressed ‘beloved Sikhs’ The Sikh Articles of Faith are popularly known called Panj Piaray. as 5K's, namely Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (comb), Karra (steel bangle), Kachh (special pair of shorts) The whole long procession is dotted with a number and Kirpaan (sword), which are symbolic of Sikh THE SIKH GREETINGS of other activities, depending upon the strength and identity and belief. It is imperative for an Amritdhari commitment of the Sikh community in the area. In Sikh to wear these 5K’s, which stand for humility, Waheguru Ji Ka , general, these activities include hymn singing, cleanliness, restraint, continence and dignity, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! playing drums and displaying Sikh martial art, respectively. (Literally, the Khalsa belongs to God, the victory belongs to God) Gatka.

The Sikh Identity is generally associated with All along the route of this slow moving procession, a well kept hair, beard and turban. However, due to variety of refreshments are made available freely by some adverse influences, not all male Sikhs are Sat Sri Akal volunteers to the walking congregants, as well as (Literally, Truth is God or God is Truth – having an implied seen wearing turbans. Sikh women use a long scarf message to remember God, remember Truth whatever the time the street on lookers, irrespective of their faith or or a dupatta as a head cover. state or circumstances. faculty.