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

Apr
12
Fri
7:00 am Vaisakhi 2024 – Sri Akhand Path ...
Vaisakhi 2024 – Sri Akhand Path ...
Apr 12 @ 7:00 am – Apr 14 @ 4:00 pm
Vaisakhi 2024 – Sri Akhand Path Sahib, Nishan Sahib Seva and 3-Day Langar Seva sponsored by S. Baltej Singh & Mrs. Gurmeet Kaur.
Apr
20
Sat
8:00 am Anand Kaaraj (Sikh Marriage) at ...
Anand Kaaraj (Sikh Marriage) at ...
Apr 20 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Anand Kaaraj (Sikh Marriage) at the GSSWH on Saturday, April 20, 2024, requested by S. Jasvir Singh on 2/12/2024.
May
4
Sat
8:00 am Anand Kaaraj (Sikh Marriage) at ...
Anand Kaaraj (Sikh Marriage) at ...
May 4 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Anand Kaaraj (Sikh Marriage) at the GSSWH on Saturday, May 4, 2024, requested by Ms. Simran Jaisinghani on 2/1/2024.
May
22
Wed
8:00 am Anand Kaaraj (Sikh Marriage) at ...
Anand Kaaraj (Sikh Marriage) at ...
May 22 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Anand Kaaraj (Sikh Marriage) at the GSSWH on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, requested by Ms. Kim Sandher (booked on 1/16/2024).
Oct
26
Sat
8:00 am Anand Kaaraj (Sikh Marriage) by ...
Anand Kaaraj (Sikh Marriage) by ...
Oct 26 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Anand Kaaraj (Sikh Marriage) by the GSSWH on SATURDAY, October 26, 2024, requested by S. Narinder Singh Grewal on 9/28/2023.

Donations to the GSSWH

Donations are always needed and welcome.