Information for the Media

Common Misconceptions Regarding Sikhism
Source: The Sikh Network

Different Types of Sikhs

The most widely accepted definition of a Sikh comes from the Sikh code of conduct, Rehat Maryada. Originally written in the Punjabi language, it is translated as:

"A Sikh is any woman or man whose faith consists of belief in:

One God,
The ten Gurus, from Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh,
The Guru Granth Sahib,
The utterances and teachings of the ten Gurus,
Who has faith in and aspires to take Amrit, initiation ceremony into the Khalsa,
And who does not owe allegiance to any other religion."

As with most religions, a devotee cannot be confined to a definition. There are many women and men who perceive themselves as Sikhs yet do not meet the above definition. Below are some terms used with the Sikh community to further explain the level of commitment one has made to the religion.

Amritdhari
Those that have undergone the Amrit (initiation or commitment) ceremony, and thus, keep the five external symbols of the faith

Kesdhari
Those that keep kes, unshorn hair, but have not undergone the Amrit ceremony. They may or may not keep the other 4 external symbols of the faith.

Sahajdhari
Those that believe in the Guru's teachings, but do not keep their kes, unshorn hair, and have not undergone the Amrit ceremony. Sahaj means slow, and thus, these types of Sikhs are considered "slow adopters".

Patit
Those that have undergone the Amrit ceremony and then are estranged from the faith by cutting their hair or committing one of other transgressions like smoking, consuming intoxicants, committing adultery, etc.

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