ARCHIVED FORUM: Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib
'religious ornament or a mere fashion statement'
Posted by : jagroop singh
Date: 7/16/2004 6:33 am
Sikh symbols, a religious ornament or a mere fashion statement :
Special Features, India > Amritsar, July 14 :
Centuries ago, Guru Gobind Singh, the Sikh community's 10th spiritual and temporal head, established the Khalsa and made it known that every Sikh male would be addressed as a Singh or 'lion' and each one has to embrace five symbols of Sikh faith - kesh, kangha, kara, kirpan and kachcha.
But in the modern era, these symbols have lost their charm and for all practical purposes become mere fashion statements.
Amritsar's Golden Temple is held in high esteem by every Sikh. Millions offer prayers, buy trinkets and ornaments from shops located on its periphery to mark their visit to this holy city.
It's a good business for the shopkeepers, but very few of the customers are aware of the religious significance of these symbols.
"We purchased these symbols to keep the visit nostalgic. It also makes us aware about the need for following the true path of Sikhism." claimed a devout.
Another devotee said, " Our Gurus have introduced five symbols for Sikhs, which include 'kara' (steel bracelet), 'kirpan' (sheathed sword) and the 'kangha', a comb reminding us to pray and visit this holy place. Visiting this holy place is a great experience as we took a bath in the pond and had 'langar', the community meal."
The kirpan or dagger has now become a showpiece, losing its religious meaning. A decade ago there were 27 kirpan- manufacturing units here, but this has dwindled to 15 today.
Kirpans use to have a market abroad worth 20 million dollars, but exports have now come down to 600,000 dollars.
The industry has taken a few steps to remain in business, by change of the shape, size and design of the product. The looks have been modified to make it a commercial success. Once the must for a warrior, the kirpan is now a decorative item in the drawing room.
Harjeet Singh, a kirpan manufacturer here, says: "A decline has been seen in religious faith among the people. They buy symbols to decorate it in their drawing rooms. Some buy it to make the next generation aware of its historical importance, the formation of Sikhism and its introduction by the Sikh gurus. The symbols, in the present age, are in their original shape and are available in latest designs. Frankly speaking, its importance at commercial level has increased and religious faith has come down."
Because of a strict ban on kirpans in sensitive areas, the Sikh youth have opted to wear miniatures.
Gurcharan Singh Bachan, a former secretary of the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee, says, "Keeping a 'kirpan' is very important. The problem comes while travelling in an aeroplane, and one has to keep a small 'kirpan' alongwith. Many Sikhs abroad started following this as they have to follow their tradition and have to follow administrative rules as well. But, many Sikhs are not aware of it and made it a fashion." (ANI)
