If you have a Sikh in you Group, there will be no mistaking him for he will be wearing a turban on his head to cover his uncut hair. Sometimes, for sport and games and in camp he will dispense with the turban and tie his hair in a knot or bun on the top of his head with a kind of folded handkerchief on it. This is known as a Pukta. That will give him more flexibility to join in the fun. But the turban to a Sikh is very important because it symbolizes generosity, truthfulness, maturity, piety and fearlessness. Maybe that’s why most Sikhs have the name “Singh” which means “lion”.

The Sikh faith is really a break-away from the Hindu faith and dates back to the second half of the 15th Century when its founder – Guru Nanek – lived. Guru really means “teacher” and the most commonly used name for God in the Sikh Faith is Sat Guru – being the teacher. The name “Sikh” literally means disciple.

The reason this religion was founded was to provide a faith that crossed the barriers between religions. The very first thing that Guru Nanek said was “There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim.”

The whole practice of the Sikh religion is the brotherhood of all people – something like the concept of Scouting. They believe in one God whose name is true, who is the Creator and who has been, is now and will be in every age. But the Sikh believes that it is impossible to gain a concept of God; it is his duty only to worship him and follow his way. The Sikh faith has no ministers or priests and anyone can lead worship. Sikh hymns are usually played on drums and sitars (that’s a kind of Guitar). There are no restrictions on food, though many Sikhs are vegetarian.

Sikh girls are treated as equals in orthodox families, so they may be interested in sharing in a Venture Scout Unit [Explorer Post] or as a leader in on of the other sections. Both boys and girls, young men and young women will be happy to share in a Scouts’ Own because they are encouraged to pray to God as much as possible and to share their goods with the needy. Anyone is welcome at a Gurdwara, which is the name for a Sikh Temple. Sikh’s celebrate the birthdays of Guru Nanek at the end of November and Guru Gobind Singh around Christmas time.

Courtesy of – The Mac Scouter’s Big “A Scout is Reverent” resource book

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