Sikhism Key Practices: Festival & Lifestyle (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Flashcards
Exam code: 8062
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Define Vaisakhi.
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Define Vaisakhi.
The Sikh harvest festival (13/14 April); it also marks the founding of the Khalsa in 1699.
What key event does Vaisakhi commemorate?
The founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699, when he initiated the Panj Piare.
Who are the Panj Piare?
The 'Beloved Five' — the first five Sikhs initiated into the Khalsa.
What happens to the Nishan Sahib flagpole at Vaisakhi?
It is taken down and washed in milk, yoghurt and water to symbolise cleanliness and purity, and the flag is replaced.
Define Bandi Chhor Divas (Sikh Divali).
The 'Day of Liberation' — the Sikh Divali, celebrating the release of Guru Hargobind and 52 Hindu princes from prison.
Which Guru's release does the Sikh Divali celebrate?
Guru Hargobind (the sixth Guru), freed in 1619.
How did Guru Hargobind secure the release of the 52 imprisoned princes?
He had a cloak made with 52 tassels, so all who held on could be freed with him.
Define Gurpurb.
A festival celebrating the life of a Guru (their birth, becoming Guru, or death); it means 'Guru's celebration'.
Name an important Gurpurb.
The birthday of Guru Nanak or Guru Gobind Singh, or the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev or Guru Tegh Bahadur.
Define Nagar Kirtan.
A street procession on a Gurpurb, led by five people representing the Panj Piare, escorting the Guru Granth Sahib.
True or False?
Gurpurbs are celebrated the same way in India and the UK.
False.
In India they fall on the actual anniversary with huge processions (a public holiday in Punjab); in the UK they are usually at the weekend, community-based and smaller.
Divali for Sikhs celebrates freedom and the victory of ______ over evil.
Divali for Sikhs celebrates freedom and the victory of good over evil.
What two names did Guru Gobind Singh introduce at Vaisakhi 1699?
Singh (for men) and Kaur (for women).
Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa at ______ Sahib in 1699.
Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib in 1699.
In which UK cities are Gurpurb celebrations concentrated?
London, Birmingham and Leicester, where there are larger Sikh communities.
Which martial art might be displayed at a Nagar Kirtan?
Swordsmanship (Gatka).
Define historical gurdwaras.
Sikh places of worship built at important sites in Sikh history, linked to the lives of the Ten Gurus.
What is the Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib), and where is it?
The centre of the Sikh faith, in Amritsar, built by Guru Arjan Dev.
What is significant about Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib?
It is the birthplace of Guru Nanak (in Pakistan).
What does Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi mark?
The martyrdom site of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
Why do Sikhs visit historical gurdwaras?
To feel closer to Waheguru, strengthen their faith, remember Sikh history and sacrifices, and perform sewa.
True or False?
Pilgrimage is a compulsory duty in Sikhism.
False.
Visiting historical gurdwaras is seen as a form of pilgrimage but is not required, unlike in some religions.
Gurdwara ______ Sahib is where the Khalsa was founded by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.
Gurdwara Anandpur Sahib is where the Khalsa was founded by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.
How does visiting a historical gurdwara as a sangat help Sikhs?
It promotes unity and strengthens Sikh bonds.
Visiting historical gurdwaras reminds Sikhs of their history and the ______ others have made.
Visiting historical gurdwaras reminds Sikhs of their history and the sacrifices others have made.
What do Sikhs often do while visiting a historical gurdwara?
Take part in sewa (e.g. langar or cleaning) and learn about Sikh history and scripture.
Define Naam Karan.
The Sikh 'name-giving ceremony', held at the gurdwara about two weeks after a child's birth.
How do Sikhs believe a child's birth is significant?
It is a precious gift from Waheguru and a rare chance for the soul to pursue spiritual growth and reunite with God.
How is a Sikh baby's name chosen at the Naam Karan?
The granthi opens the Guru Granth Sahib at random (Hukam); the first letter of the first word on that page begins the child's name.
Define granthi.
A Sikh priest or reader who leads ceremonies such as the Naam Karan.
What is given to the baby during the Naam Karan?
A spoonful of amrit, connecting the child to the Sikh faith.
Which prayer is recited by the family and congregation at the Naam Karan?
The Mool Mantar, thanking Waheguru for the gift of life.
True or False?
Parents may choose any name they like for their child at the Naam Karan.
False.
The name must begin with the first letter of the random verse (Hukam) read from the Guru Granth Sahib.
At the Naam Karan, boys are given the name ______ and girls the name Kaur.
At the Naam Karan, boys are given the name Singh and girls the name Kaur.
Where does the Naam Karan ceremony take place?
At the gurdwara.
The Naam Karan usually takes place about ______ weeks after the child's birth.
The Naam Karan usually takes place about two weeks after the child's birth.
Why do Sikhs give the names Singh and Kaur?
To promote the oneness of humanity and equality, removing caste or social status.
Define the Khalsa.
The community of initiated, committed Sikhs, formed by Guru Gobind Singh at Vaisakhi in 1699.
Define Amrit Sanskar.
The Sikh initiation ceremony into the Khalsa.
Who are the Panj Piare?
The 'five beloved ones' — the first five volunteers initiated into the Khalsa, who offered their lives.
What are the Five Ks?
Kesh (uncut hair)
Kanga (comb)
Kara (steel bracelet)
Kachera (undershorts)
Kirpan (sword)
What does the Kesh (uncut hair) symbolise?
Respect for God's creation — accepting the way God made you.
What does the Kara (steel bracelet) symbolise?
God's eternity (no beginning or end) and restraint from evil actions.
What does the Kirpan symbolise, and how is it used?
Spiritual strength and the duty to protect the weak and stand against injustice — never used in anger or violence.
What is the difference between Amritdhari and Sahajdhari Sikhs?
Amritdhari Sikhs have taken the Amrit Sanskar and belong to the Khalsa (wearing the 5 Ks); Sahajdhari Sikhs have not been initiated but still follow the Gurus and worship the Guru Granth Sahib.
What names do initiated Sikh men and women take?
Singh ('lion') for men and Kaur ('princess') for women.
Why did Guru Gobind Singh introduce the names Singh and Kaur?
To replace family surnames (which reflected caste) and promote equality, including gender equality.
True or False?
Sahajdhari Sikhs are not really part of the Sikh community.
False.
Sahajdhari Sikhs are just as much part of the sangat as Amritdhari Sikhs.
Define amrit (in Sikhism).
A mixture of sugar and water, stirred with a khanda, used in the initiation into the Khalsa.
The Khalsa was formed by Guru Gobind Singh at Vaisakhi in the year ______.
The Khalsa was formed by Guru Gobind Singh at Vaisakhi in the year 1699.
Why was the Khalsa formed, and what remains important to Sikhs today?
As a response to injustice and Mughal persecution — to defend religious freedom and protect the weak; Sikhs still stand up for truth and justice.
The Kachera (cotton undershorts) is a symbol of ______, modesty and moral behaviour.
The Kachera (cotton undershorts) is a symbol of self-control, modesty and moral behaviour.
What must Amritdhari Sikhs follow, and give one rule.
The Rehat Maryada — e.g. wearing the Five Ks, not drinking alcohol or gambling, and not eating ritually slaughtered meat.
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