Sikh and Sikhism

Community

Sikhism

* World’s 5th Largest religion
* 26 million followers world wide
* Over 500 years old· Originated in India
* Sikhism is a distinct religion, having no links with Hinduism and Islam

Sikhs

* Sikhs have lived in America for over 100 years
* People who wear turbans in the US are Sikhs
* 26 million Sikhs worldwide
* Sikhs are living in America since 1897
* Early Sikhs built railroads, and worked in lumber mills and on farms
* 83,000 Sikh soldiers died during 2 World wars
* One million Sikhs live in North America, including 15,000 in the Greater Sacramento area
* 7 Sikh Temples in Capital area
* First US Sikh Temple in Stockton, 1912

Sikhs Believe in

* Freedom of speech, religion· Justice and liberty for all
* Defending civil liberties and protecting the defenseless
* Tolerance and absolute equality of all people without regard to gender, race, caste, or religion
* One God common to all· Equal right for women

Sikhs Do Not Believe in

* Sikhs do not believe in terrorism or hurting innocent people
* Sikhs do not believe in hate or racial profiling
* Sikhs do not believe in war based on religion
* Sikhs do not believe in proselytism
* Sikhs do not believe in fasting

Sikh Turbans:

* 99.9% of people with turbans in US are Sikhs
* Used to cover long, uncut hair and provides the distinct identity
* Approx. 15 feet of cloth wrapped neatly around the head every time it is put on
* Symbolizes discipline, integrity, humility, and spirituality· Religious requirement - must be worn at all times in public
* A turban is not a hat. It cannot be casually taken on and off. It must be carefully retied each time it is removed
* Turbans are a mandatory part of Sikh faith, not a social custom
* Sikhs feel humiliated if asked to remove their turban in public, as doing so exposes an intimate part of their body
* Sikh Americans are easily identified by their colorful turbans and unshorn hair