What is Sikhism?
Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak around 500 years ago in a place called the Punjab. This is an area which spans part of India and Pakistan in South Asia today.
JASDEEP: Let’s make some spicy potatoes.
MAX: Okay. Do you know how to make it?
JASDEEP: Yeah, we make it a lot at the Gurdwara.
MAX: What’s Gurdwara?
JASDEEP: That’s where Sikhs go to worship.
MAX: Oh! And your family are Sikh?
JASDEEP: Yeah. We worship one God called Waheguru. Sikhism was started over 500 years ago in India, by a man now known as Guru Nanak who taught that all people are equal.
MAX: That’s a nice message.
JASDEEP: It’s why everyone is welcome in the Gurdwara. You just have to cover your head and take your shoes off.
MAX: Take your shoes off?
JASDEEP: Yeah. Gurdwara is a holy place, we keep the Guru Granth Sahib there.
MAX: What’s that?
JASDEEP: Sikhism is based on the teachings of 10 wise teachers, known as Gurus. The Guru Granth Sahib is a book where their teachings are written down, and it’s considered to be the 11th guru, so they treat it really well, just like you would a person.
MAX: Cool! But where do spicy potatoes fit in?
JASDEEP: After every service, we have a vegetarian meal in the langar, that’s like a big shared kitchen where everyone can eat together free.
MAX: Oh!
JASDEEP: Service is really important, it’s called Seva, so we like to cook meals for people. You should come some time.
MAX: That sounds great.
What do Sikhs believe?
Sikhs believe in one God who guides and protects them. They believe everyone is equal before God. Sikhs believe that your actions are important and you should lead a good life. They believe that the way to do this is:
- Keep God in your heart and mind at all times
- Live honestly and work hard
- Treat everyone equally
- Be generous to those less fortunate than you
- Serve others
Guru Nanak
Guru Nanak is the founder of Sikhism. Guru means ‘Teacher’.
Sikhism is still based on his teachings and those of the nine Sikh Gurus who followed him.
The Five Ks
The Sikh community of men and women is known as the Khalsa which means the ‘Community of the Pure’.
In order to become a Sikh and join the Khalsa, people need to follow the Five Ks.
Click on the picture to learn about the Five Ks
What is the Sikh holy book?
The Sikh holy book is called the Guru Granth Sahib. The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, said that after him there would be no other living gurus. Instead, Sikhs could look at their holy book for guidance. This is why Sikhs call their holy book a Guru.
The Guru Granth Sahib is a collection of lessons from the ten gurus as well as Sikh, Hindu and Muslim saints. It is written in Punjabi and is greatly respected by all Sikhs as the living word of God.
It is kept on a raised platform under a canopy in the Sikh place of worship. All Sikhs take off their shoes when they are near it.
Where do Sikhs worship?
The Sikh place of worship is called a Gurdwara which means ‘Gateway to the Guru’. A Gurdwara is any building where the Guru Granth Sahib is kept.
In the UK, Sikhs usually go to the Gurdwara on Sundays. During the services they listen to teachings based on the Guru Granth Sahib.
They also chant and say prayers from the gurus. These are called Keertan.
The service ends in a langar (a shared meal). Everyone is welcome to share the meal.
Sikhism in pictures
Image caption, Martial arts
A young Indian Sikh taking part in a procession called the 'Nagar Kirtan'. He is demonstrating traditional martial arts called 'Gatka'.
1 of 7
What is the Sikh symbol?
The Sikh symbol is called the Khanda.
Click on the picture to learn about the three parts.
Sikhism quiz
Resources for teachers
To help your class understand Sikhism, 11-year old practicing Sikh Simran shows Sikhism through her eyes in this series of short films.
BBC Bitesize for Teachers has thousands of free, curriculum-linked resources to help deliver lessons - all arranged by subject and age group.
Play BBC Bitesize educational games! game
Fun, interactive games for children aged 4-11, with maths, English, science, history and many more subjects.
More on Sikhism
Find out more by working through a topic
- count2 of 3
- count3 of 3
