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‘Sikhism is a religion of equality‘
Here are a number of reasons why pilgrimage is important, along with some counter-arguments. Separate them into two categories, those that
are for and those that are against the statement. Rank the two piles from which you think is the most significant reason to the least significant
reason. Explain your most and least significant choices.
The langar, communal kitchen, is a symbol of
equality and humility. Anyone is welcome to
attend the gurdwara (and Harmandir Sahib)
and receive a meal. This was set up by Guru
Amar Das to reject the Hindu caste system
and improve social cohesion.
It is said that everyone shares the task of
preparing, cooking, serving and cleaning in
the langar. However, women tend to take up
the role of cooking at the langar and this is
their role in the home – to serve the husband
and family.
The rejection of caste was originally for
theological reasons as opposed to improving
social divisions. ‘Recognize the Lord’s Light
within all, and do not consider social class or
status; there are no classes or castes in the
world hereafter.’ GGS 349
‘We are conceived and born from women.
Woman is our life-long friend and keeps the
race going. Why should we despair her, the
one who gives birth to great men?’ GGS 473
Men generally take positions within the
gurdwara. While the opportunity is there for
women, there are still prejudices within the
community, especially in India, that may en-
courage women to avoid the roles of granthi
or ragi.
Sikhs have not succeeded in abolishing
caste distinctions and as a result there are
subgroups of Sikhs– Arora, Ramgarhia and
Jat. While they would welcome each other at
the langar, they generally marry within their
groups.
Women are able to take up positions within
the gurdwara. They can become a granthi
where they will read the Guru Granth Sahib
and conduct the service. Or they can be a ragi
– someone who plays music in the gurdwara.
The Harmandir at Amritsar is a symbol of the
rejection of the Hindu caste system and a
symbol of equality. The four gates represent
the rejection of the four castes and offer an
invitation to all travellers from every direction.
Boys are generally favoured in Sikh families.
It has been argued that boys get preferential
treatment over girls and are awarded more
freedom. Sex ratios in the Punjab region of
India also suggest the practice of female
infanticide (killing female babies).
Read the article found at http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation-
al/female-infanticide-affects-sex-ratio-in-punjab/article398285.
ece. Complete a thinking hats activity once you have read it.
Research the subgroups of Sikhism to find others that have not been mentioned
through this activity. A useful search term is ‘different groups of Sikhs’. How and why
are they different to one another? Think about key teachings, origins and practices.
