Understanding Sikh Pilgrimage

The year 1999 marked the 300th anniversary of Khalsa when the Sikh religion was given a formal identity at Anandpur Sahib in Punjab, Northern India. Today the Sikh Diaspora stretches over many countries of the world. Sikhism, a monotheistic religion based on the universal equality of humankind, was founded in 1469 by Guru Nanak, whose message was carried on by nine successors, providing distinctions in the Sikh community in terms of written language, religious scriptures, and institutions. This paper examines the role of pilgrimage in Sikh scriptures and concludes that although Sikhism officially places no importance on pilgrimage, adherents travel great distances to visit sites associated with their history and traditions. The paper also investigates the reasons why so many Sikhs travel to sacred sites even though it is not encouraged or required.