SIKHISM PRACTICES
AQA GCSE SPECIFICATION CHECKLIST: Sikhism Practices
Section A: Worship & Service
Religious features of the gurdwara: design, furniture, and artefacts; the practices associated with these
features and their importance, including the palki and takht.
The role of the gurdwara within the Sikh community.
The role of prayer in the home, GGS 305:4.
The role and importance of the akhand path.
The meaning and significance of langar as an expression of sewa.
The significance of meditating on the name of God (nam japna) in daily life and in the gurdwara.
Section B: Festivals & Lifestyle
Festivals and their importance for Sikhs in Great Britain today, including the origins and significance of
the following:
Vaisakhi (Baisakhi)
Divali
Gurpurbs, including Guru Nanak’s birthday and differences in the way gurpurbs are celebrated
in India and Great Britain.
The importance of visiting Sikh historical gurdwaras, including the Golden Temple (Harimandir Sahib) in
Amritsar.
Birth and naming ceremonies including their meaning and significance.
The initiation ceremony (Amrit Sanskar), including the meaning and importance of the Khalsa and the
five Ks, and the different perspectives of sahajdhari and amritdhari Sikhs.
The significance and use of the names Singh and Kaur
KEY TERMS GLOSSARY
Akhand path The 48 hour continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib.
Amritdhari A Sikh who is initiated into the Khalsa.
Amrit Sanskar The initiation ceremony.
Ardas The Prayer used at the beginning and the end of worship.
Chandoa A canopy above the Guru Granth Sahib - important people would have sat beneath a canopy to keep
them out of the sun, so it became a symbol of respect.
Chauri A fly-whisk: a handle with hair or feathers protruding from one end, waved over the GGS out of respect.
Divali Festival when Sikhs celebrate Guru Hargobind securing the release of his fellow prisoners.
Granthi Person (male or female) who reads the Guru Granth Sahib to the congregation.
Gurdwara Sikh place of worship, “door of the Guru.”
Gurpurb Festival celebrating an anniversary of the Gurus.
Gutka A prayer book with daily or regular prayers.
Harimandir Sahib The Golden Temple.
Harmonium A small keyboard instrument similar to a piano accordion.
Hukam The act of opening the Guru Granth Sahib at random.
© 2024 Grades Express
AQA GCSE SPECIFICATION CHECKLIST: Sikhism Practices
Section A: Worship & Service
Religious features of the gurdwara: design, furniture, and artefacts; the practices associated with these
features and their importance, including the palki and takht.
The role of the gurdwara within the Sikh community.
The role of prayer in the home, GGS 305:4.
The role and importance of the akhand path.
The meaning and significance of langar as an expression of sewa.
The significance of meditating on the name of God (nam japna) in daily life and in the gurdwara.
Section B: Festivals & Lifestyle
Festivals and their importance for Sikhs in Great Britain today, including the origins and significance of
the following:
Vaisakhi (Baisakhi)
Divali
Gurpurbs, including Guru Nanak’s birthday and differences in the way gurpurbs are celebrated
in India and Great Britain.
The importance of visiting Sikh historical gurdwaras, including the Golden Temple (Harimandir Sahib) in
Amritsar.
Birth and naming ceremonies including their meaning and significance.
The initiation ceremony (Amrit Sanskar), including the meaning and importance of the Khalsa and the
five Ks, and the different perspectives of sahajdhari and amritdhari Sikhs.
The significance and use of the names Singh and Kaur
KEY TERMS GLOSSARY
Akhand path The 48 hour continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib.
Amritdhari A Sikh who is initiated into the Khalsa.
Amrit Sanskar The initiation ceremony.
Ardas The Prayer used at the beginning and the end of worship.
Chandoa A canopy above the Guru Granth Sahib - important people would have sat beneath a canopy to keep
them out of the sun, so it became a symbol of respect.
Chauri A fly-whisk: a handle with hair or feathers protruding from one end, waved over the GGS out of respect.
Divali Festival when Sikhs celebrate Guru Hargobind securing the release of his fellow prisoners.
Granthi Person (male or female) who reads the Guru Granth Sahib to the congregation.
Gurdwara Sikh place of worship, “door of the Guru.”
Gurpurb Festival celebrating an anniversary of the Gurus.
Gutka A prayer book with daily or regular prayers.
Harimandir Sahib The Golden Temple.
Harmonium A small keyboard instrument similar to a piano accordion.
Hukam The act of opening the Guru Granth Sahib at random.
© 2024 Grades Express
