Amrit Sanskar

In Sikhism, initiation into the Khalsa (Sikh community or order). The ceremony is conducted either at home or in the gurdwara by five initiated Sikhs, who represent the original Panj Pyares (‘five faithful ones’). The initiates, who may be of either sex, wear the Panj Kakas (five Ks) as symbols of membership. After prayers and readings from the Guru Granth Sahib, amrit (sweetened water) is mixed in a steel bowl with a khanda (double-edged sword). The Ardas prayer takes place and the initiates kneel and drink amrit five times from cupped hands, saying: ‘Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh’ (‘The Khalsa is of God, the victory is to God’). Amrit is then sprinkled on the initiates' eyelids and hair. The Panj Pyares explain the initiates' future commitment to uphold Sikhism and help the community, and the ceremony ends with a vak (random reading of the scriptures) and the sharing of karah prashad (blessed food).

After initiation, men adopt the last name of ‘Singh’ (lion) and women that of ‘Kaur’ (princess). The new members must keep the Rahit, the Sikh code of ethics and rituals. This includes praying every day, wearing the 5 Ks, giving away a tenth of their income, and following the gurus' teachings.

The Khalsa, or ‘Pure Ones’, was founded by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 at the Baisakhi Mela, the Sikh New Year festival, and initiation often takes place at this time. Sikhs can choose to be initiated when they reach the age of responsibility; for boys, this is usually before the age of 13. Sikh children often have their hair left uncut from birth in preparation for their entry into the Khalsa. Boys may keep their long hair in a topknot until they wear a turban.

The turban-tying ceremony usually happens before boys reach their teens. The home is cleaned and prepared ready for the Guru Granth Sahib to be brought. An Akhand Path may be read over 48 hours. On the morning of the ceremony, guests will come to the house for prayers and singing. A red cloth slightly shorter than an adult's turban is wrapped round the young boy's head. After the final prayers, karah prashad is shared and food given to all the guests. The boy may choose to wear his turban on special occasions until he is a full member of the Khalsa.