Glossary

Short baggy undergarment. A practical item of clothing, it also signifies sexual restraint/Undershorts. One of the five Sikh articles of faith, given as gifts of love by Guru Gobind Singh, worn by a baptized Sikh

An age in which righteousness and godliness has been forgotten

A comb is used to keep the uncut hair tidy, but also symbolizes disciplined living

A steel bangle protected the wrist in battle symbolizes God's strength and infinity. It is usually worn on the right hand, the hand of action, as a reminder of the Khalsa commitment

Term used by many Sikhs to refer to corporate the Sikh nation or Panth

Literally "princess." The name given to all female Sikhs/The name taken by women initiated into the Khalsa

Uncut hair signifies acceptance of the natural form God gave the wearer, but also makes Sikhs (particularly men, who would cover it with a turban) stand out in crowd

Uncut hair signifies acceptance of the natural form God gave the wearer, but also makes Sikhs (particularly men, who would cover it with a turban) stand out in crowd

The core community of committed, initiated men and women within the wider Sikh faith. Khalsa Sikhs wear the 5Ks as an outward sign of their commitment and follow a code of conduct which amongst other things bans smoking and requires daily meditation on certain prayers. The Khalsa was founded by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 and has greatly influenced Sikh identity and ethics

Two-edged sword; Khalsa symbol often seen on Sikh gurudwaras, with a vertical two-edged sword, two kirpans on each side and a quoit surrounding it.

Gateway of the Double-Edged Sword.  The initiation ceremony introduced by Guru Gobind Singh

Merchant, one of Punjab's occupational caste groups

Short sword. This symbol highlights the fact that Khalsa Sikhs should be prepared to defend the oppressed

The devotional singing of sacred hymns, or shabads, from the Guru Granth Sahib, usually accompanied by instruments

Traditional dress sometimes worn by Sikh men