Ceremonies

The Guru Granth Sahib is not treated simply as a book of information. Sikhs regard it as their living Guru, whose teachings guide their lives. Its role in naming a child shows that this guidance matters from the beginning of life.

A granthi, a reader and custodian of the scripture, opens the Guru Granth Sahib and reads a hukam, a passage received as the Guru’s guidance. The first letter of the opening word of the reading provides the initial for the child’s name. The parents choose a name beginning with that letter, which is then announced to the congregation.

The parents still choose the particular name, but its starting letter comes through the scripture. This connects a family decision with respect for the Guru’s authority. The ceremony brings together gratitude to Waheguru, the child’s Sikh identity and support from the wider community.

Amrit Sanskar: choosing a committed Sikh life

Naam Karan welcomes a child into the community; Amrit Sanskar is initiation into the Khalsa, the community of initiated Sikhs. It marks a person’s commitment to a disciplined Sikh way of life, rather than simply giving them a name.

Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa at Vaisakhi in 1699. Five volunteers showed their willingness to offer their lives for their faith. They became the Panj Piare, the ‘five beloved ones’, and were the first members initiated into the Khalsa.

Their initiation involved amrit, a mixture of sugar and water prepared in a bowl and stirred with a khanda, a double-edged sword. Taking amrit remains central to joining the Khalsa. It connects those being initiated today with the commitment of the first five members.

The Khalsa developed during a period of persecution under Mughal rule. Its purpose included defending religious freedom and protecting the weak. Initiation therefore expresses both devotion to God and responsibility towards other people: courage should be used to uphold truth and justice, not merely to benefit oneself.

What initiation means afterwards

An initiated Sikh is called Amritdhari. Joining the Khalsa involves following the Sikh code of conduct, the Rehat Maryada. The significance lies in the continuing way of life, not only in the ceremony itself.

Amritdhari Sikhs wear the Five Ks: kesh, uncut hair; kanga, a wooden comb; kara, a steel bracelet; kachera, cotton undershorts; and kirpan, a small sword. Together these provide a visible shared identity and reminders of commitments such as respect for God’s creation, cleanliness, self-control and defending those in need.

The Khalsa also expresses equality: caste, class and gender should not determine a member’s worth. Its shared discipline and identity unite Sikhs across different backgrounds. However, Sikhs who have not undergone initiation still belong to the Sikh community. Some also wear some or all of the Five Ks.

Bhai Gurdas Var 3.11: becoming united with the Guru

Bhai Gurdas Var 3.11 teaches the importance of initiation in the relationship between Guru and disciple. One English translation states: ‘When the Sikh takes the Guru’s initiation, only then is he called a Sikh.’ This presents initiation as a serious acceptance of the Guru’s authority, not merely participation in a celebration. Applied to Amrit Sanskar, it helps explain why receiving amrit involves a promise to follow the Guru’s teachings throughout life.

The passage also describes Guru and Sikh becoming one, using the images of a wave returning to water and one lamp lighting another. These images convey spiritual unity and transformation: the disciple’s life becomes shaped by the Guru’s wisdom. Amrit Sanskar therefore marks the beginning of a committed spiritual journey, rather than automatically completing it. Its outward actions must be accompanied by inward devotion and a disciplined life. This teaching expresses an ideal of discipleship; it does not mean that non-initiated Sikhs are excluded from the wider Sikh community.

Singh and Kaur: names that express equality

Guru Gobind Singh instructed male members of the Khalsa to use Singh, meaning ‘lion’, and female members to use Kaur, commonly translated as ‘princess’. Singh expresses courage and strength; Kaur expresses dignity and the equal standing of women.

These names challenge the importance of inherited social status. In traditional Indian society, family surnames could identify caste. Using shared Sikh names instead rejects the idea that birth into a particular caste makes someone superior or inferior.

Their use extends beyond initiation. Boys may receive Singh and girls Kaur at their naming ceremony, and many Sikhs use them throughout everyday life. Some use them alongside a family surname. Consequently, the names express Sikh identity and the ideal of equality, but do not necessarily indicate that a person is Amritdhari.