Sikh Celebrations & Ceremonies
 Sikhism was founded in North India in 1469 to abolish racial discrimination and a societal cast system. Since then it has spread throughout the world. Balbir Matharu, a Board member of the Interfaith Center is a faithful follower of Sikhism.
She described its founding by ten Sikh Gurus, who are much like the prophets and disciples of the Christian faith. Sikh followers believe in a God that has no sexual orientation, cannot be born and cannot die. According to the Sikhs, “God is with everyone, at every minute of every day,” since non-discrimination is a fundamental principle.
 Besides performing five prayers daily and attending the Gurdwara (Sikh house of worship) on a regular basis, Sikh believers also celebrate many religious festivals centered on the lives of the Gurus, usually celebrating or commemorating a birth or death.
The fall holiday Bandi Chhor Divas coinciding with the Hindu holiday Diwali, is one of the most meaningful celebrations among many others such as Vaisakhi and Gurpurabs. Bandi Chhor symbolizes freedom, commemorating the death of the 7th Guru Hargobind who rescued the lives of fifty Hindu prisoners almost 400 years ago.
Bandi Chhor, like most other holidays, is celebrated both at the Gurdwaras and in individual homes. Believers read the Scriptures and declare the Lord’s Prayer in the Gurdwaras. They are served Langar (a simple meal of bread made of flour, butter, and sugar, provided by the community) at any time of the day. It is important for people to be fed during a service, for Sikhs believe that people “cannot be spiritual” when they are hungry. Usually believers gather at individual homes for fellowship and feasting, where a diverse group of people can connect with each other.
Balbir Matharu offered insights into the lives of those believers that are baptized. In addition to performing prayers and celebrating festivals, they also leave their hair long, wear a turban, a steel bangle on the right hand, a small sword symbolic of protection, and shorts indicating chastity. Balbir concluded by sharing her conviction that these traditions are indispensable to the spiritual and physical well-being of every believer. |
