The Sikhs with a population of about 18 million are largely concentrated in and around the state of Punjab. Sikhism is not an ethnic religion and anyone is free to join its fold. Sikhs form one of India's religious minorities with a distinct identity and history. Guru Nanak (1649-1539), founded the Sikh religion and is revered as the first of the ten Gurus. The Sikh scriptures are compiled in the holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, which is the cynosure of reverence in the Sikh temple called, Gurudwara. The Sikhs believe in the omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence and formlessness of one God, popularly called Wahe Guru. Sikhs realize godliness in community participation and service and community worship. The symbols of the Sikh brotherhood are comprehended in the five Ks- Kanga(comb), Kaccha(shorts), Kada(bangle), Kes(hair) and Kirpan(dagger) which every Sikh is obliged to carry.

Sikh traditions

BIRTH

There are no recognized ceremonies connected with the birth of a Sikh child. Among some sections of the community, it is customary to recite five verses of the morning prayer, Japji Sahib, in the ears of the newborn baby.

GURTHI

When the child is born, one of the members of the family (could be one most respected, successful, intelligent, wise or a favorite), touches a bit of liquid honey and puts it into the baby's mouth. It is assumed that the child takes on the particular qualities of the chosen person. This is not an event as such; it takes place in the hospital itself.

SHUSHAK

When the first child is born, especially if it is a male child, the maternal grandparents give a package called shushak, consisting of clothes for everybody in the new father's family and for the servants; a small silver service: spoon, glass, bowl and a plate, clothes for the baby, money and a gold ornament for the baby, mother and mother-in-law depending on financial capacity. These are taken to the home of the new baby. Only the family is present on this occasion.

LOHRI

The first Lohri, a festival which falls on the 13th day of January, is celebrated especially for the boy child, on a grand scale. It is performed in the later part of the evening. Invitation cards can be sent for this function, depending on how one wants to celebrate.

The event is observed at the parental home of the child in the presence of close relatives, friends and well-wishers. Token gifts are given to the child. The child's maternal grandparents give gifts to the child's paternal relatives also.
A big bonfire is lit. Since this is basically a harvest festival, the fruits of the winter harvest are offered to fire. Revries, peanuts, bhunga (barfi with sesame seeds) are put in the fire. There is great merry-making, singing and dancing of the traditional Bhangra around the fire. This is followed by a feast.

NAAMKARAN

The naming ceremony is a well-established ritual. The Granth is opened at random and the child has to be found a name beginning with the first letter of the first word found on the top of the page. It is performed in
the first year of the child, anytime from the first month to the twelfth. This ceremony can be a big or small one according to one's capacity and wishes. It can be private or public depending on the kind of ceremony the family wants. Alternatively, only the parents of the child may go to the Gurudwara and perform it.



PHURKARA
This is performed when the child starts teething and cuts his first milk teeth. Any member of the family or a friend who has beautiful teeth chews fresh coconut and then splashes it on the child's face. Rest of the coconut is served to everyone around. This is a very private observance with only the family members being present.