About Sikhs

History of Sikhism

Sikhism is a religion that originated in Northern India in the fifteenth century with the birth of first of the ten Gurus of Sikhs, Sri Guru  Nanak Dev Ji, on October 20, 1469, in Nankana Sahib, District Nankana Sahib (formerly Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi, District Shekhupura) of Punjab Province,  Pakistan. This system of religious philosophy and expression has been traditionally known as the Gurmat (literally the teachings of the gurus) or the Sikh Dharma. Sikhism comes from the word Sikh, which in turn comes from the Sanskrit root sisya meaning “disciple” or “learner”, or siksha meaning” instruction. Sikhism is the fifth-largest organized religion in the world.

Gurdwara or Gurudwara

During the times of the early Gurus, Sikh places of worship were referred to as dharamsalas. They were a place where Sikhs could gather to hear the Guru speak or sing hymns. As the Sikh population continued to grow Sri Guru Hargobind introduced the word Gurdwara, meaning the gateway through which the Guru could be reached. Thereafter all Sikh places of worship came to be known as Gurdwaras. Any place where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed and treated with due respect can be referred to as a Gurdwara.

Articles About Sikhs

Issues, articles and general information about Sikhs (updated Tuesday, March 31, 2015 ).

US Att. General Eric Holder’s Speech on the Wisconsin Tragedy

SALDEF Article About Sikhs

Sikh Head Coverings

Organize an Open House at a Gurdwara

Discrimination in the Workplace (in Punjabi)

TSA Rules for Travelers

Upcoming Events

Oct
11
Sat
8:00 am Anand Kaaraj (Sikh Marriage) at ...
Anand Kaaraj (Sikh Marriage) at ...
Oct 11 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Anand Kaaraj (Sikh Marriage Ceremony) Requested by S. Mandeep Sekhon on 5/22/2024
Oct
25
Sat
7:00 am Anand Kaaraj (Sikh Marriage) at ...
Anand Kaaraj (Sikh Marriage) at ...
Oct 25 @ 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Anand Kaaraj (Sikh Marriage) at the GSSWH requested by Ms. Harminder Bains on 8/25/2024.
Nov
7
Fri
8:00 am Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash ...
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash ...
Nov 7 @ 8:00 am – Nov 9 @ 2:30 pm
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash Purab – Sri Akhand Path Sahib, Nishan Sahib Seva and 3-Day Langar Seva by S. Bikram Singh & Mrs. Kanchan Singh
Jan
4
Sun
8:30 am Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Praka...
Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Praka...
Jan 4 @ 8:30 am – 1:30 pm
Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Prakash Purab (2026) Sri Akhand Path Sahib Ji and Langar Seva S. Jagdev Singh & Mrs. Beant Kaur (booked 4/7/2024) Exact dates to be confirmed after publication by SGPC, Amritsar,[...]
Apr
17
Fri
7:00 am Vaisakhi 2026
Vaisakhi 2026
Apr 17 @ 7:00 am – Apr 19 @ 3:00 pm
Vaisakhi 2026 – Sri Akhand Path Sahib, Nishan Sahib Seva and 3-Day Langar Seva sponsored by S. Baltej Singh & Mrs. Gurmeet Kaur (booked on 4/12/2024)

Donations to the GSSWH

Donations are always needed and welcome.