Editing Sikhs (section)

==Art and culture==
{{Main|Sikh art and culture|Punjabi culture}}
[[File:SikhNakashi.jpg|alt=Intricate design|thumb|Opaque watercolour-on-paper [[Nakashi art]], about 1880, by an unknown artist from [[Lahore]] or [[Amritsar]] and  used to decorate the walls of [[Golden Temple|Harmandir Sahib]]]]
[[File:HarmindarSahib.jpg|alt=Large building on the water|thumb|Darbar Sahib, circa 1870]]

Sikh art and culture are nearly synonymous with that of Punjab and Sikhs are easily recognised by their distinctive turban ([[Dastar]]). Punjab has been called India's melting pot, due to the confluence of invading cultures from the rivers from which the region gets its name. Sikh culture is therefore a synthesis of cultures. Sikhism has forged a unique [[Sikh architecture|architecture]], which S.&nbsp;S. Bhatti described as "inspired by [[Guru Nanak]]'s creative mysticism" and "is a mute harbinger of holistic humanism based on pragmatic spirituality."<ref>{{cite web |title=The Magnificence of Sikh Architecture |url=http://www.punjabheritage.org/catagories/architectural-heritage/the-magnificence-of-sikh-architecture.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214193843/http://www.punjabheritage.org/catagories/architectural-heritage/the-magnificence-of-sikh-architecture.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=14 December 2007 |access-date=4 April 2008}}</ref> The American non-profit organization [[United Sikhs]] has fought to have Sikh included on the [[United States|U.S.]] census as well, arguing that Sikhs "self-identify as an ethnic minority" and believe "that they are more than just a religion."<ref>{{cite web |title=Memorandum Regarding the Tabulation of Sikh Ethnicity in the United States Census |url=http://www.unitedsikhs.org/petitions/Memo%20re%20Sikh%20Ethnicity.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224220633/http://www.unitedsikhs.org/petitions/Memo%20re%20Sikh%20Ethnicity.pdf |archive-date=24 February 2014 |access-date=20 November 2014}}</ref>

During the [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] and [[Durrani|Afghan]] persecution of the Sikhs during the 17th and 18th centuries,<ref>{{cite book |last=Sian |first=Katy |title=Unsettling Sikh and Muslim Conflict: Mistaken Identities, Forced Conversions, and Postcolonial Formations |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |year=2013 |isbn=9780739178744 |page=32}}</ref> the latter were concerned with preserving their religion and gave little thought to art and culture. With the rise of [[Ranjit Singh]] and the [[Sikh Raj]] in [[Lahore]] and [[Delhi]], there was a change in the landscape of art and culture in Punjab; Hindus and Sikhs could build decorated shrines without the fear of destruction or looting.<ref>{{cite book |last=Srivastava |first=R. P. |title=Punjab Painting: Study in Art and Culture |publisher=Abhinav Publications |year=1983 |isbn=9788170171744 |page=13}}</ref>

The Sikh Confederacy was the catalyst for a uniquely Sikh form of expression, with Ranjit Singh commissioning forts, palaces, bungas (residential places) and colleges in a Sikh style. Sikh architecture is characterised by gilded fluted domes, cupolas, kiosks, stone lanterns, ornate [[baluster]]s and square roofs. A pinnacle of Sikh style is [[Harmandir Sahib]] (also known as the Golden Temple) in [[Amritsar]].{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}}

Sikh culture is influenced by militaristic motifs (with the [[Khanda (religious symbol)|Khanda]] the most obvious) and most Sikh artifacts—except for the relics of the Gurus—have a military theme. This theme is evident in the Sikh festivals of [[Hola Mohalla]] and [[Vaisakhi]], which feature marching and displays of valor.{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}}

Although the art and culture of the Sikh diaspora have merged with that of other Indo-immigrant groups into categories like "British Asian," "Indo-Canadian" and "Desi-Culture," a minor cultural phenomenon that can be described as "political Sikh" has arisen.<ref>{{cite web |title=Art and Culture of the Diaspora |url=http://www.sikhchic.com/ |access-date=4 April 2008}}</ref> The art of diaspora Sikhs like Amarjeet Kaur Nandhra and Amrit and Rabindra Kaur Singh ([[The Singh Twins]])<ref>{{cite web |title=Singh Twins Art Launches Liverpool Fest |url=http://sikhchic.com/article-detail.php?id=168&cat=1 |access-date=4 April 2008}}</ref> is influenced by their Sikhism and current affairs in Punjab.{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}}

[[Bhangra (dance)|Bhangra]] and [[Giddha]] are two forms of Punjabi folk dancing which have been adapted and pioneered by Sikhs. Punjabi Sikhs have championed these forms of expression worldwide, resulting in Sikh culture becoming linked to Bhangra (although "Bhangra is not a Sikh institution but a Punjabi one").<ref>{{cite web |title=Bhangra & Sikhi by Harjinder Singh |url=http://www.sikhwomen.com/sikhism/culture_arts/bhangra.htm |access-date=4 April 2008}}</ref>

{{Anchor|Sikh paintings}}

===Painting===
{{Further|Sikh art}}[[File:Guru_Nanak_with_companions,_Bhai_Mardana_and_Bhai_Bala,_in_debate_with_the_Siddhs.jpg|thumb|Painting of [[Guru Nanak]] with companions [[Bhai Mardana]] and [[Bhai Bala]], in debate with the [[Siddha|Siddhs]]]]

[[Sikh painting]] is a direct offshoot of the [[Kangra painting|Kangra school]] of painting. In 1810, Ranjeet Singh (1780–1839) occupied [[Kangra Fort]] and appointed Sardar Desa Singh Majithia his governor of the Punjab hills. In 1813, the Sikh army occupied [[Guler State]] and Raja Bhup Singh became a vassal of the Sikhs. With the Sikh kingdom of Lahore becoming the paramount power, some of the Pahari painters from Guler migrated to Lahore for the patronage of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh and his Sardars.{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}}

The Sikh school adapted Kangra painting to Sikh needs and ideals. Its main subjects are the ten Sikh gurus and stories from Guru Nanak's [[Janamsakhi]]s. The tenth Guru, Gobind Singh, left a deep impression on the followers of the new faith because of his courage and sacrifices. Hunting scenes and portraits are also common in Sikh painting.{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}}

===Shrines===
There is an old Sikh shrine called 'Prachin Guru Nanak Math', which lies at a small hill, just next to [[Bishnumati River|Bishnumati]] bridge at Balaju. Guru Nanak is said to have visited Nepal during his third Udasi while returning from [[Mount Kailash]] in Tibet. Nanak is said to have stayed at Balaju and Thapathali in [[Kathmandu]]. The Nanak Math shrine at Balaju is managed by the Guru-Ji and the Udasin Akardha, a sect developed by Guru Nanak's son, Sri Chandra.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Guru Nanak Math On Verge Of Vanishing |url=https://www.spotlightnepal.com/2019/08/02/guru-nanak-math-verge-vanishing/ |magazine=New Spotlight Magazine |access-date=2022-03-19 |place=Nepal}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Gurudwara Guru Nanak Math, Kathmandu |url=https://www.worldgurudwaras.com/gurudwaras/gurudwara-guru-nanak-math-kathmandu/ |access-date=2022-03-19 |publisher=World Gurudwaras}}</ref>

===Daily routine===
From the [[Guru Granth Sahib]]:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sikhs.org/english/eg28.htm |title=Sri Guru Granth Sahib Translation |page=305 |website=Sikhs.org |access-date=29 January 2016}}</ref>

{{Blockquote
| One who calls themself a Sikh of the Guru, the True Guru, shall rise in the early morning hours and meditate on the Lord's Name. Upon arising early in the morning, he is to bathe and cleanse himself in the pool of nectar. Following the Instructions of the Guru, he is to chant the Name of the Lord, "Har, Har." All sins, misdeeds, and negativity shall be then erased. Then, at the rising of the sun, he is to sing Gurbani; whether sitting down or standing up, he is to meditate on the Lord's Name. One who meditates on my Lord, Har, Har, with every breath and every morsel of food and – that GurSikh becomes pleasing to the Guru's Mind. That person, unto whom my Lord and Master is kind and compassionate – upon that GurSikh, the Guru's Teachings are bestowed. Servant Nanak begs for the dust of the feet of that GurSikh, who himself chants the Naam, and inspires others to chant it.|Fourth Mehl ([[Guru Ram Das]])|title=''Guru Granth Sahib''|source=p. 305}}

The [[Sikh Rehat Maryada|Sikh Rahit Maryada]] (Code of Conduct) clearly states that [[Amrit Sanskar|initiated]] Amritdhari [[Khalsa]] Sikhs must recite or listen to the recitation of [[Japji Sahib]], [[Jaap Sahib]], [[Tav-Prasad Savaiye|the 10 Sawayyas]], Sodar [[Rehras|Rehraas]] and [[kirtan Sohila|Sohila]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://old.sgpc.net/rehat_maryada/section_six.html | title=Sikh Reht Maryada, the Definition of Sikh, Sikh Conduct & Conventions, Sikh Religion Living, India }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://old.sgpc.net/rehat_maryada/section_one.html|title=Sikh Reht Maryada, The Definition of Sikh, Sikh Conduct & Conventions, Sikh Religion Living, India|website=old.sgpc.net|access-date=5 April 2022|archive-date=6 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106033711/https://old.sgpc.net/rehat_maryada/section_one.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Every Sikh is also supposed take the [[Hukamnama|Hukam]] (divine order) from the [[Guru Granth Sahib]] after awakening in the [[Amrit Velā|ambrosial hours of the morning (three hours before the dawn)]] before eating.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://old.sgpc.net/rehat_maryada/section_three_chap_five.html|title=Sikh Reht Maryada, The Definition of Sikh, Sikh Conduct & Conventions, Sikh Religion Living, India|website=old.sgpc.net}}</ref>

In his [[The 52 Hukams of Guru Gobind Singh|52 Hukams]], [[Guru Gobind Singh]] orders his followers to arise during [[Amrit Velā|Amritvela]] (early morning) and to recite the late evening prayer "[[Kirtan Sohila|Sohila]]" and the verse "Pavan guru pani pita..." before sleeping.{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}}

===Five Ks===
{{Main|The Five Ks|Khalsa|Sahajdhari}}

[[File:Sikh Articles of Faith.JPG|thumb|alt=Wooden comb, iron bracelet and curved, gold-coloured dagger|[[Kanga (Sikhism)|Kanga]], [[Kara (Sikhism)|Kara]] and [[Kirpan]]: three of the five Sikh articles of faith]]

The five Ks (''panj kakaar'') are five articles of faith which all initiated (''Amritdhari'') Sikhs are obliged to wear. The symbols represent the ideals of Sikhism: honesty, equality, fidelity, meditating on [[Waheguru]] and never bowing to tyranny.<ref>{{cite book
| last = Nesbitt
| first = Eleanor
| title = Sikhism: A Very Short Introduction
| publisher = Oxford University Press
| pages = 40–43
| isbn = 978-0-19-280601-7
| year = 2005}}</ref>
The five symbols are:

#''[[Kesh (Sikhism)|Kesh]]'': Uncut hair, usually tied and wrapped in a ''[[turban]]''.
#''[[Kangha (Sikhism)|Kanga]]'': A wooden comb, usually worn under a ''turban'' to always also keep one's hair clean and well-groomed.
#''[[Kachera]]'': Cotton undergarments, worn by both sexes; the ''kachera'' is a symbol of chastity and also a symbol of cleanliness. It is also historically appropriate in battle due to increased mobility and comfort when compared to a ''[[dhoti]]''.
#''[[Kara (Sikhism)|Kara]]'': An iron bracelet, a symbol of eternity, strength and a constant reminder of the strength of will to keep hands away from any kind of unethical practices.
#''[[Kirpan]]'': An iron blade in different sizes. In the UK, Sikhs can wear a small dagger, but in Punjab, they might wear a traditional curved sword from one to three feet in length. ''Kirpan'' is only a weapon of defense and religious protection, used to serve humanity and to be used against oppression.

{{Anchor|Sikh music and instruments}}

=== Music and instruments ===
[[File:Dilruba woman.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.7|alt=Woman in yellow scarf bowing an instrument|Woman playing the dilruba]]
{{Main|Sikh music}}

The Sikhs have a number of musical instruments, including the [[Seni rebab|rebab]], [[Esraj|dilruba]], [[Taus (instrument)|taus]], jori and [[Sarinda (instrument)|sarinda]]. Playing the [[sarangi]] was encouraged by [[Guru Hargobind]]. The rebab was played by [[Bhai Mardana]] as he accompanied Guru Nanak on his journeys. The jori and sarinda were introduced to Sikh devotional music by [[Guru Arjan]]. The ''taus'' (Persian for "peacock") was designed by Guru Hargobind, who supposedly heard a peacock singing and wanted to create an instrument mimicking its sounds. The dilruba was designed by [[Guru Gobind Singh]] at the request of his followers, who wanted a smaller instrument than the taus. After [[Japji Sahib]], all of the [[shabad (hymn)|shabad]] in the [[Guru Granth Sahib]] were composed as [[raga|raags]]. This type of singing is known as [[Gurmat Sangeet]].

When they marched into battle, the Sikhs would play a ''Ranjit nagara'' ({{gloss|victory drum}}) to boost morale. Nagaras (usually two to three feet in diameter, although some were up to five feet in diameter) are played with two sticks. The beat of the large drums and the raising of the [[Nishan Sahib]], meant that the Singhs were on their way.