Akhand Path, Gurpurbs and Sikh Ceremonies
The Akhand Path
The Akhand Path is the continuous, unbroken reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib from its first word to its last. It takes approximately 48 hours to complete, with readers taking turns in relays. The Rahit Maryada Chapter 7 governs how the Akhand Path is to be conducted: readers must be initiated Khalsa Sikhs, the reading must be continuous (never paused), and the congregation should attend as much as possible to hear the entire scripture.
The Akhand Path is performed at key moments in Sikh family and community life: before and after the birth of a child, at marriages, during gurpurbs (Guru anniversary celebrations), at the start of a new enterprise, during times of difficulty, and as a mark of respect for the deceased. The completion of the Akhand Path (the ‘bhog’ ceremony) is a communal celebration.
The Akhand Path (Rahit Maryada Chapter 7) is the continuous 48-hour reading of the complete Guru Granth Sahib. It can be held at births, marriages, gurpurbs, times of difficulty and community celebrations. It expresses the centrality of the Guru Granth Sahib as the living, eternal Guru — to read it continuously is to give it unbroken attention.
Gurpurbs and Commemorations
Gurpurbs are the anniversary celebrations of the Sikh Gurus, observed with Akhand Path, kirtan, processions and community gatherings. The most widely observed gurpurbs are:
Guru Nanak’s Birthday (Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji) — the most joyful Sikh festival, celebrated in October/November on the full moon of Kartik. Processions (Nagar Kirtan) carry the Guru Granth Sahib through the streets with singing, and langar is served widely.
Vaisakhi (April 13/14) commemorates the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 CE at Anandpur Sahib. The Gurbilas Patshahi 10 provides the account of the founding of the Khalsa at Vaisakhi: Guru Gobind Singh called for volunteers willing to give their heads, and the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones) stepped forward. This event transformed Sikhism — the Khalsa was born.
Sikhs observe Divali not for Hindu reasons but to commemorate the release from imprisonment of Guru Hargobind from Gwalior Fort in 1619 CE. He had been imprisoned by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Guru Hargobind insisted on the release of 52 Hindu prisoners alongside himself, and the people of Amritsar lit the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) with lamps to welcome him home. This is why Sikhs light lamps on this day, which many Sikhs call Bandi Chhor Divas (the ‘Day of Liberation’). The martyrdom of Guru Arjan (the fifth Guru, executed in 1606 CE) has its own commemoration day in May or June.
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is the ninth Sikh Guru, executed in Delhi in 1675 CE by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam and for defending the religious freedom of Kashmiri Hindus. His martyrdom is commemorated as ‘Shaheedi Divas Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’ in November. He is known as ‘Hind di Chadar’ (Shield of India) because he gave his life to protect others’ religious freedom, not just his own.
Birth and Naming Ceremonies
Naam Karan is the Sikh naming ceremony. The family brings the new baby to the gurdwara. The Hukamnama (a randomly selected passage) is read: the first letter of the first word of the hymn gives the first letter of the child’s name. This shows that the child’s identity begins with the Guru’s word.
Amrit Sanskar: The Initiation Ceremony
Amrit Sanskar is the initiation ceremony governed by Rahit Maryada Chapters 11 and 13. Five initiated Khalsa Sikhs prepare amrit (nectar of immortality — water and sugar stirred with a double-edged sword) while reciting prayers. The initiate drinks the amrit, has it sprinkled on their eyes and hair, and takes vows to live by the Khalsa code — including wearing the Five Ks (panj kakars): Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (steel bracelet), Kanga (wooden comb), Kachera (cotton undergarment) and Kirpan (steel sword).
On initiation, male Sikhs take the name Singh (‘lion’) and female Sikhs take the name Kaur (‘princess’). These names abolish the caste surnames that had previously marked social position — all Khalsa Sikhs share the same surname, embodying equality.
Amrit Sanskar (Rahit Maryada Chapters 11 and 13) initiates Khalsa Sikhs, who must already wear the Five Ks: Kesh (uncut hair — acceptance of God’s will), Kara (steel bracelet — reminder of God’s unity), Kanga (wooden comb — discipline), Kachera (cotton undergarment — chastity), Kirpan (steel sword — defence of truth and the weak). Male initiates take ‘Singh’; female initiates take ‘Kaur’. Both names replace caste surnames, expressing Sikh equality.