A kirpan is a mandatory Sikh article of faith. It is carried by Amritdhari (initiated) Sikhs at all times. The word “kirpan” comes from two Punjabi words: 'Kirpa' means an act of kindness, a favor; and 'Aan' means honor and self- respect. A kirpan resembles a knife or sword.
A requirement for initiated male Sikhs is that they carry a Kirpan on their person at all times. The Kirpan, usually blunted, is generally concealed beneath clothing against the person's body in a sheath and strap.
The kirpan is a ceremonial dagger baptised Sikhs carry to symbolise their duty to stand up against injustice. The ban was put in place after a 14-year-old boy used a kirpan to stab a 16-year-old at a high school in Sydney.
The 'Kirpan' is an important religious symbol of Sikhism. As per Indian law, Passengers travelling on flights with point of origin and destination both being within India, on an Indian registered aircraft are permitted to carry a 'Kirpan' in person.
the wearer must be a Khalsa Sikh (baptized) or must satisfy the College that the wearer sincerely believes as part of their religious beliefs that they must wear a kirpan.
Sikh men do not cut or even trim their hair or their beards. “It is an essential part of being a Sikh,” says Dr. Saluja. “It is an essential part of my identity.”
The Sikh religion forbids the use of alcohol and other intoxicants. Sikhs are also not allowed eat meat - the principle is to keep the body pure. All gurdwaras are supposed to follow the Sikh code, known as the Akal Takht Sandesh, which comes from the highest Sikh authority in India.
The Rehat Maryada, an important religious text, explicitly forbids cutting or shaving any body hair for initiated Sikhs.
For this reason by practitioners they are kept with the utmost respect. This includes regular maintenance of hair which includes but is not limited to combing at least twice daily, washing regularly and not allowing for public touching.
Sikhs. The Sikh religion forbids cutting or shaving any bodily hair. Orthodox Sikhs always carry a dagger with them, lest someone try to force them to do something against their religion.
One of the most distinguishing features about Sikhs is the practice of keeping long uncut hair (kes). Some women, do not cut the hair on their head, some do not cut or trim any hair at all, while others cut their hair. With any religion, people practice it to the degree they want to or are comfortable with.
In Sikhism, there is no place for polygamy and polyandry. Sikh Gurus advocated the institution of monogamous marriage. Marriage in Sikhism is not a social contract.
It is never smoked, as this practice is forbidden in Sikhism. In 2001, Jathedar Santa Singh, the leader of Budha Dal, along with 20 chiefs of Nihang sects, refused to accept the ban on consumption of shaheedi degh by the apex Sikh clergy of Akal Takht - in order to preserve their traditional practices.
Marrying people of other faiths is acceptable, they say, but conducting that marriage in a Sikh temple is not. Non-Sikhs can only be involved if they accept the Sikh faith and change their name to include Singh or Kaur, the council insists.
Under the tenets of Sikhism, one can remove the turban only at home, during a bath.
Drinking alcohol is often associated with the Punjabi culture, but is prohibited in Sikhism. Baptised Sikhs are forbidden from drinking but some non-baptised Sikhs do consume alcohol. Whilst the vast majority of those who do drink have no problem, a small number of Punjabi Sikh women are affected.
The SGPC has warned those who plan to get a tattoo of Sikh religious symbols or Gurbani verses on any part of their body. Akal Takht has already put a blanket ban on Sikh religious tattooing and pronounced an edict in June.
WHY DON'T SIKHS CUT OR SHAVE THEIR HAIR? The founders of the Sikh faith started the practice of maintaining hair unshorn. Many Sikhs interpret the keeping of kesh as a sign of commitment and acceptance of God's Will.
Some Sikhs are vegetarian. The religion allows individual choice about meat consumption. However, it is forbidden to eat meat from animals slaughtered according to religious guidelines, and therefore Sikhs do not eat halal or kosher meat. Sikhs do not consume alcohol.
Sikhs (the word Sikh means disciple) do not smoke or take intoxicants. Some even refuse tea or coffee because they contain caffeine, a stimulant.
But actually Sikhs do get divorced sometimes, just like everyone else.
La Brack (1988) has also Page 2 ABDUL WAHAB AND MAHMUD AHMAD 154 pointed out that cousin marriages are prohibited in Indian Punjabi [Sikh], while this rule is vague and fuzzy among Canadian and American Sikhs but here, too, close biological marriages are disapproved.
The bangle, or Kara, is one of five symbols of the Sikh religion, known as the Panj Kakaars or five Ks, which are worn at all times by devout followers. The iron bangle acts as a visual reminder not to commit sins and is the final thing Sikhs would look on before committing a sin with their hands.
The traditional Sikh greeting is “Waheguru Jee Ka Khalsa Waheguru Jee Kee Fateh” meaning the Khalsa belongs to God and all victory belongs to God. A shorter greeting that is often used is “Sat Sri Akal” meaning Timeless God is Truth.
But I have a friend who is a Sikh and doesn't wear a turban. Why not? Like any group, there is a range of practice. Many followers of the faith don't wear turbans or keep their hair, but still legitimately follow and identify with the faith.