Frequently Asked Questions
Kirpan
Can men and women become Amritdhari (initiated)?
Yes, as Sikhs practice equality, any Sikh may become Amritdhari (initiated).
How is the Kirpan kept on the body?
Amritdhari (initiated) Sikhs are required to always carry a Kirpan. In everyday life, the Kirpan is worn underneath clothing in a cloth sling called a Gatra that keeps the Kirpan secure and against the body.
When is the Kirpan used?
The Kirpan is only physically used for religious ceremonies where it is taken out of its sheath to bless food.
Are all Kirpans small and blunt?
Some Kirpans may be small and blunt however not all are. However, all Kirpans are worn by initiated Sikhs for religious observance only.
Is the Kirpan worn for self-defense?
The Kirpan is not worn by Amritdhari (initiated) Sikhs for self-defence. It is carried to remind them of their duty to uphold high moral values to help others at all times. Kirpans are worn by Amritdhari (initiated) Sikhs for religious observance only.
Is the Kirpan ever used by Sikhs?
Yes the Kirpan is 'used’ physically by Sikhs in a formal prayer session in which the Kirpan is taken out and used to ceremonially bless food that has been prepared for sharing with all in a concept known as Langar.
How do Amritdhari (initiated) Sikhs travel on planes with their Kirpan?
Some countries allow Sikhs to carry Kirpans on planes. For example domestic travel in India caters for Amritdhari Sikhs who carry a Kirpan. Similarly flights from and within the UK and Canada allow for Kirpans of certain sizes (e.g. blades of less than 6cm) to be carried on planes. However many countries do not allow for Kirpans on planes. Where Sikhs are not allowed to wear their Kirpan on the plane they generally have to take the Kirpan off and put it in their check-in luggage prior to departure and then put it back on upon arrival. While this is standard practice, it is still considered by most Sikhs as a lapse in religious practice. Accordingly, some Sikhs may do a small prayer before taking off the Kirpan and putting it back on again.
Are Kirpans always worn underneath clothing?
In Australia, the Kirpan is usually worn underneath clothing. In some circumstances the Kirpan is worn outside clothing. Examples of this include wearing ceremonial dress at the Gurdwara (Sikh place of worship) and travelling Sikh scholars in traditional attire.
Do all Sikhs who have a turban carry a Kirpan?
No. Only a small percentage of Sikhs in Australia are initiated and thus carry all of the 5Ks including the Kirpan. Practising Sikhs do not carry the Kirpan. Only initiated Sikhs.
Is there a standard Kirpan?
No. There is no standard Kirpan. Kirpans come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, bluntness and even materials. Each Sikh chooses their Kirpan according to their own belief.
What size is the Kirpan?
There is no standard size for Kirpans.
Are Kirpans handed down from generation to generation?
Not usually, although there are historical Kirpans that may be passed down through families due to their family’s link with particular historical events.
Is the Kirpan a symbol?
No, the Kirpan is not a symbol. It is an article of faith.
Does this mean that any person can walk around with a knife and get away with it if they say they are a Sikh?
No. Only initiated Sikhs have a genuine religious reason to be wearing a Kirpan and are able to wear a Kirpan on their body. Non-initiated Sikhs have no genuine religious reason for carrying a Kirpan on their body. If a person does not have all of the 5K’s on their body, it is unlikely that this person is an initiated Sikh.
Is it reasonable to ask a Sikh to view their Kirpan?
It is perfectly reasonable to ask a Sikh to view their Kirpan however it is also perfectly reasonable for a Sikh to refuse this request. This could be due to a number of factors:
The Kirpan is one of the 5Ks and is a deeply personal item worn by a Sikh. Something personal is usually not shared with others unless they feel comfortable to do so.
If the Kirpan is worn underneath clothing, a certain degree of undressing may need to take place which may not be appropriate under the circumstances.
The circumstances in which the question has been asked may be one that is unfairly putting a spotlight on the Sikh’s Kirpan and their religious beliefs. Seeking to gain a better understanding of the Kirpan could be done in other ways than sighting the Sikh’s Kirpan at that particular moment in time.
Dastaar (Sikh turban)
Does the colour of the turban material matter?
No - Sikhs do not beleive in colours having any spiritual relevance. However, there are some colours associated with Sikh history so you may see certain traditional clothing and turbans being Orange / Yellow or Blue (Navy / Royal).
Do Sikh women also wear Dastaar (Turban)?
The Dastaar (Turban) is a mandatory head covering for Sikh men. Sikh women have the choice to wear a Dastaar.
Can Sikhs put a turban on and off like a hat?
No, the Dastaar is a long piece of folded/rolled cloth that wrapped carefully around the head. Due to its definitive importance and significant religious ideals, the Dastaar is tied layer by layer. Some turbans from different cultures around the world wear their turbans like hats. Sikh turbans are not worn like hats.
Can Sikhs take their turbans off in public?
The Dastaar is a respectful part of the Sikh identity and to ask for it to be removed can be perceived as being disrespectful and demeaning. For a Sikh, to have the Dastaar removed is akin to being undressed.
Is there a standard Sikh turban?
No the Sikh Dastaar has no standard size (length or width), colour or shape. Every Sikh ties his Dastaar in his/her own individual manner.
Some groups of turbans have emerged due to popularity as more common styles than others.
Is the Sikh turban material special? Can you buy it in Australia?
The material used for Sikh turbans is usually a grade of cotton sourced from Punjab, India that can not be obtained from general cloth retail stores in Australia.
You can buy Sikh turban material in Australia through various online and physical stores. See for example www.theturbanshop.com and www.turbanking.com.au (not sponsored or affiliated links)
How often are turbans replaced?
Turbans are like any other material. After regular wear you usually end up with the turban losing colour from washing or faded from being in the sun and / or the material starts to wear out and you get holes.
Can a Sikh choose to wear a helmet even if they ordinarily wear a turban?
Of course. If the law allows for an exemption, it is still the Sikh’s personal choice whether they wish to utilise the exemption or wear a helmet.
Bicycle helmet exemption
Can I ride a bike without a helmet if I am a Sikh wearing a patka (smaller turban)?
This depends on which state in which you are riding your bike. Some smaller turbans like patkas may not make it ‘impractical’ for you to wear a helmet. That is, you could still wear a helmet on top of your smaller turban. For example, to comply with the relevant law in the ACT, QLD, VIC and WA you would need to be wearing a Dastaar that makes it impractical for you to wear a helmet.
Amrit Sanchaar (Initiation)
Can men and women become Amritdhari (initiated)?
Yes, as Sikhs practice equality, any person may become Amritdhari (initiated).
Is there a documentation requirement for Sikhs who are Amritdhari (initiated)?
There is no ‘certificate of initiation’ or some sort of central repository or database of initiated Sikhs.
Is there an age requirement for the Amrit Sanchaar ceremony?
There is no age requirement for this ceremony however initiates are required to have the maturity to understand and uphold the code of conduct. Sikhs who do not display this maturity can have initiation refused.
How do I know if a Sikh is Amritdhari or not?
It is unlikely that you will be able to tell if a Sikh is Amritdhari just by looking at them. If they are in traditional / ceremonial dress they may be wearing their Kirpan and Gatra on the outside of their clothing. Only Amritdhari Sikhs wear a Kirpan. The easiest way to find out if someone is Amritdhari or not is to ask them in a respectful way. For example:
“Hi, I have reading up about Sikh practices and I understand that some Sikhs become Amritdhari. I hope you don’t mind me asking but are you an Amritdhari Sikh?”
Gurdwara - Sikh sacred space:
Do Sikhs have a specific prayer time?
Generally no. Sikhs are encouraged to pray at any time during the day. Sikhs believe in practising their faith at all times. Practising Sikhs may choose to get up early in the morning at what is considered a ‘quiet or ambrosial time’ referred to as Amrit Vela. This means getting up before dawn to pray.
Do Sikhs have a specific prayer place?
Generally no. Sikhs can pray anywhere. However, if the Guru Granth Sahib is present in their home or if the Sikh home has designated a specific room as a prayer room, Sikhs will use that room as their place for meditation/reflection/prayer.
What can I wear to a Gurdwara?
Women - Bare shoulders, plunging necklines and short skirts will be out of place at a religious venue. A pant suit, long skirt or dress would be more appropriate.
Men - comfortable suit, slacks, chinos with a dress shirt.