Nitnem (Daily Prayers)

Panj Kakke (5 Ks)

Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag)

Rahit Maryada

Sewa

Sikh ceremonies
   Birth
   Amrit (initiation)
   Marriage
   Death


Sikhism index

LIVING THE SIKH LIFE

Amrit (Initiation)

Amrit (initiation) is a drink. Amrit (initiation) is how a Sikh joins the Khalsa. The most popular time to receive amrit is Vaisakhi, since the first ceremony took place at Vaisakhi in 1699. The ceremony takes place in a room that is out of the way so that no one is disturbed. The ceremony takes place in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib. Before the ceremony starts, Ardas (the requesting hymn) is said asking that the ceremony can take place properly. Ardas is also said at the end of the ceremony asking that those who have joined the Khalsa fulfil their vows and become better people.

• Amrit (initiation) is made in a batta (iron bowl) filled with water and sugar. Panj piyaras (the five beloved ones) kneel around it and hold it with one hand. One of them recites one of the five daily hymns of the Sikhs while they stir the water with a small Khanda (double-edged sword). The process is then repeated with the other four members of the panj piyaras (five beloved ones).
• The people who want to take amrit (initiation) are told to focus on the ceremony while the amrit (initiation) is prepared.
• After the amrit (initiation) is made, all those who wish to join the Khalsa drink from the same batta (steel bowl) to show that they are one family.

The Khalsa should:

• Pray to God, especially the Nitnem (daily prayers).
• Praise God through the Guru Granth Sahib, and live a good life following the example of the Gurus.
• Keep the 5 Ks.

The Khalsa should not do four things in particular:

• Cut their hair.
• Smoke tobacco or take drugs.
• Have sex outside of marriage.
• Eat meat killed by ritual slaughter, e.g. Muslim halal, Jewish kosher or Hindu mahaprasad.

If they choose to do any of these four things - taboos - they are choosing to break their bond with the Khalsa. If they wish to rejoin the Khalsa they should confess their shortcoming, make suitable reparation (making good) to society, and then receive amrit (initiation) again. Passive smoking, rape, or hair removal for medical reasons is not choosing to break bonds with the Khalsa.