SIKH CEREMONIES
In addition to worship, there are other important rites and rituals within Sikhism. The Sikh Rehat Maryada is the Sikh Code of Conduct, giving instructions for all ceremonies.
NAAM KARAN
Naam Karan is a Sikh ceremony of naming a child and it usually takes place in a Gurdwara (Sikh place of worship) after the baby and mother are medically and physically healthy to attend the Gurdwara. There is no timetable for this and the family should not feel undue pressure of any kind and only the well being of the mother and child are considered.
DASTAR BANDHI
Usually, when a Sikh boy reaches a certain age, usually 11 to 16, a turban ceremony is performed for the child. The Sikhs tie turban for the first time on the head of a child in presence of Sri Guru Granth SahibThis ceremony can be held at the Gurdwara or at any place where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed. At this ceremony, Ardas is recited and then the child’s first turban is ceremonially tied on by the Granthi, or a Sikh elderly person
AMRIT SANCHAR
Amrit Sanchar (also called Khande di Pahul and Amrit Sanchar) is the Sikh ceremony of initiation or baptism. The Amrit Sanchar is the initiation rite introduced by Guru Gobind Singh when he founded the Khalsa in 1699. It is conducted. in a holy place, any place sanctified with the presence of Guru Granth Sahib, preferably a Gurdwara. The ceremony is conducted by five baptized Sikhs known as Singhs or Khalsa who must be observant of the Sikh religious discipline and the Sikh code of conduct
ANAND KARAJ
Anand Karaj is the Sikh marriage ceremony, meaning “Blissful Union” or “Joyful Union”, that was introduced by Guru Amar Das. The four Lavan (marriage hymns which take place during the marriage ceremony) were composed by his successor, Guru Ram Das. It was originally legalised in India through the passage of the Anand Marriage Act of 1909, but is now governed by the Sikh Reht Maryada, Sikh code of conduct.
