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Sikh Customs

The first adherents of Nanak, the founder of the sect, had been mostly Jats and Khattris. Many were men of great stature and powerful frame. As Sikhs they acquired a distinctive appearance by giving up the Hindu practice of shaving the head and face. They were forbidden the use of tobacco; and their discipline in other things prepared them for being indeed the soldiers they looked. Sikhs wear distinctive dress to signify commitment to their faith, including uncut hair covered by a turban and a small ceremonial sword known as a kirpan. External symbols worn by Sikhs—the ‘‘five Ks’’

1. Kes — uncut hair to preserve God-given human form
2. Kangha — comb to keep hair tidy and symbolises discipline and clarity of mind
3. Kirpan — a sword which symbolises freedom and justice
4. Kara — iron/steel bracelet worn on right hand, reminding the wearer of God’s strength and infinity
5. Kachha — short breeches emphasising commitment to purity

For religious reasons, practicing Sikhs do not cut their hair. Sikh men wrap and knot their long hair with a turban or pagri, a practice that typically takes 10-15 minutes. Sikh boys wrap their hair in a smaller under-turban or patka, with their hair knotted on top of their head. Some Sikh women also wear turbans; however, many opt for a cloth or chunni to cover their head.

The Sikh community in the United States faced severe problems in the aftermath of the September 11 tragedies. Their very distinctive appearance has made them the targets of hate, as Americans wrongly assumed they were associated with terrorists. Hate crimes and incidents against Sikhs increased dramatically since September 11. Hundreds of hate crimes and incidents against Sikhs were reported since that date, ranging from verbal abuse to physical assault and even murder.

The Kirpan typically has a wooden or steel handle with a blade that may be blunt. Since there is no prescribed length for the blade, the size of the Kirpan varies by personal choice. A small Kirpan, resembling or appearing like a knife, has a blade that is commonly 3-6 inches in length, though some Sikhs prefer a Kirpan with a larger blade; while others will wear a smaller blade of 2 inches or less. The Kirpan is often worn by Sikhs of both genders underneath their clothing with a shoulder sash called a Gatra; however, some Sikhs wear the Kirpan over their clothing in public view or around their neck.

All Sikh men include “Singh” in their surnames and all Sikh women include “Kaur.” Many Sikhs will name their baby on the fortieth day after birth in a simple child naming ceremony (Nam Karan). A prayer (Ardas) is recited. The Guru Granth Sahib is then opened at random and the first letter from the top of the left page is used as the first letter of the name of the child. Either the parents announce the name of the child immediately, or later after consulting other members of the family. Sikh parents may choose a name without this ceremony, and yet others will get the paternal aunt or another close relative to choose, a process which may result in delay in registering the infant’s name.

Further, to emphasise the equality of human beings and in explicit rejection of the Hindu caste system, all men and women who joined the Khalsa add the name Singh (meaning ‘‘lion’’) to the forename of a son, and Kaur (meaning ‘‘princess’’) for girls. All Sikh names have a special religious meaning; for example, Baljit means ‘‘mighty victorious’’. It is of practical interest to note that these names are not gender specific.