Sikhs in Brief

I wanted to share some information about Sikhs which is unknown to you guys.

Origin: The Sikhism has its origin in India, mostly in the Western India. It was Guru Nanak  Dev who found the religion in fifteenth century AD. 

Who are Sikhs: As I already said that Sikhism has its roots in India, it was Hindus and Muslims who were converted to Sikhs due to the prevailing Hindu Caste System and its beliefs. Guru Nanak Dev was a great devotee of Goddess Durga. He was born in a family of Bedi clan who knew the Vedas. 
        Sikhs are 2% in India's population. They are spread all over the world. And 80% of the Sikhs in India reside in North East region.

Sacred Truths of Sikhs: 

1. Sikhs follow a Sacred Book called "Guru Granth Sahib" which is compilation of hymns composed by great saints of India that include both Hindus and Muslims.
2. There is an Act for Sikhs called Sikh Gurudwaras Act which defines Sikh as a person one who believes in "ten gurus and Granth Sahib".
3. The Ten Gurus of the Sikhs are sacred ones where the Guru Nanak was the first guru of the Sikhs.
4. The fifth guru "Guru Arjan" was the one who wrote the Sacred Book "Adi Granth".
5. It was the tenth Guru "Guru Gobind" who introduced the "Khalsa" which means the people who were baptized into Sikh religion were given the Holy water called "Amrita". This was first taken place on a day of Bhaisakhi which is the Hindu's starting day of the year.
6. Sikhs tag a name "Singh" at the end of their names as it gives the meaning "Lion" in Sanskrit.
7. Among the ten gurus most of the Gurus were martyred by the Mughals in condition whether to convert to Islam religion or to die. The Gurus preferred to die rather than giving up their religion.
8. The sacred place of Sikhs is Amritsar Golden Temple which was built by the fifth guru "Guru Arjan".
9. Sikhs follow five vows:    

                     a)to wear their hair and beard unshorn 

                     b)to carry a comb to keep them tidy                                                                                        

                     c) to wear the soldier's breeches     

                     d)to wear a silver bracelet on their right wrist   

                     e)to carry a cavalry sword with them.

                                                                                                                                                                                 

Facts about Sikhs:

1. There is no person in Sikh religion who is a clergy.
2. Unlike other religions that are spread all over the country, Sikhs are the only people who are confined only to a specific area.
3. They are bound to speak only a single language called Punjabi which unites them in a linguistic manner.
4. Since Sikhs practiced military from past, their role is major in defense services. Most of the Soldiers found in Northern region are Sikhs.
5. Sikhs play an important role in building the nation and actively participate in political affairs.              Ex: Manmohan Singh, Montek Singh Ahluwalia etc.
6.  Unlike other religions Sikhs treat every other religion with harmony.