Amrit Sanskar

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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.

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