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TheSikhs engage in various rites and services.Sikh rites include activities they consider essential to the group practice ofSikhism or the expression ofegalitarianism, such askirtan or takingkarah parshad. Many rites in Sikhism involve prayer (ardas) or reciting scripture (paath). Some Sikh rites are meant to be practiced in agurdwara congregation, while others are practiced at home or in other contexts.
Ardas is a formal prayer recited at the end of most Sikh rituals and at the end of morning and evening devotions. It consists of three parts: the first part invokes the tenSikh gurus, the second part recalls trials and triumphs of the SikhPanth, and the third part is a petition in which personal or panthic requests for intercession are often introduced.[1] It ends with "Naanak naam charhdi kala, tayray bhaanay sarbat da bhala."Charhdi kala indicates a blissful state of mind and the absence of negative emotions.Sarbat da bhala indicates the well-being of all.[2]
Dasvandh is the giving of one tenth of one's income (10%) as atithe to help those less fortunate in the name of one'sguru. This practice is derived fromvand chhako, one of the three pillars of Sikhism.[3][4] Sandeep Sahni writes, "The principle of Dasvandh is that if you give to the Infinite; Infinity, in turn, will give back to you."[4]
Alangar is a free community kitchen attached to agurdwara where everyone sits on the floor and eats together regardless of differing backgrounds. This gathering is called apangat. The langar was introduced byGuru Nanak to break thecaste system that was prevalent inIndia during his life.[5][6] The food served at a langar is always vegetarian and usually includesdal soup, vegetables, rice, andchapatis.[7]
Paath is the recitation ofGurbani, in various formats.[8]
Akhand Paath is the uninterrupted recitation of the entireGuru Granth Sahib over a certain period, usually forty-eight hours. A number of reciters (paathis) take turns reading in two-hour shifts to accomplish this. Often, Akhand Paath is performed to mark an important religious or family event.[7][8] It may also be performed as part of a gurdwara's regular services, so that visitors can listen to Gurbani at any time. The paathi must pronounce every syllable correctly so that theNaad, the sound current, may be produced and affect the consciousness of the paathi and those listening.[8]
Sadharan Paath is similar to Akhand Paath, but it may be done intermittently over any time period, such as a month or two. It is commonly practiced at home, to be completed on the day of an anticipated family event or memorial.[7][8]
Nitnem Paath is the thrice-daily recitation of certain compositions in theSikh Rehat Maryada.[8]
Karah parshad is a pudding-like sweet served in agurdwara at the end of a worship service or act of worship. It is made from equal parts of flour, sugar, andghee mixed in an iron bowl, and it is then heated before being taken to thediwan hall. Before being served, it is blessed by the recitation of Ardas and the first five and last stanzas ofAnand Sahib, and as Ardas concludes, the karah parshad is pierced by a ceremonial sword called akirpan to symbolically strengthen it.[7][9]
Like the langar, the karah parshad is used to demonstrate belief in human equality. If someone does not accept the invitation to eat with them, Sikhs may interpret the refusal as a sign of disbelief in this principle.[7]
Kirtan means devotional singing. InSikhism, kirtan is considered an essential element of religious practice and is often performed in a gurdwara congregation.[10] In a gurdwara, kirtan is usually performed byprofessional musicians in a trio called arāgī jathā. A rāgī jathā includes atabla player and two vocalists who also playharmoniums.[11] Inshabad kirtan, sacred songs from Sikh scriptures are sung or listened to.[10][11] Innagar kirtan, the Guru Granth Sahib is carried in an outdoorprocession.[7]
In Sikhism, there are foursamskars (rites of passage). Each samskar is associated with a ceremony that facilitates a key event in a Sikh's life:[12]
The giving of a tenth of one's earnings, dasvandh, to help those less fortunate, is an ideal of the Sikh Dharma of the Western Hemisphere, and is also an important feature of general Sikh practice. The principle of dasvandh is based on one of the three pillars of Sikhism, that is, vand chakna. A true Sikh is one who practises all three pillars with a sincere heart.
'Dasvandh', which literally means "tenth part", is the tithing practice of contributing a portion of your earnings in the name of your Guru or spiritual source. The principle of Dasvandh is that if you give to the Infinite; Infinity, in turn, will give back to you.
