I remember when I was doing my GCSEs there weren't a whole lot of resources particularly when it came to exam practice and even more so for Sikhism Practices. So I compiled the key areas that I focused on to achieve a Grade 9 in AQA GCSE RS in 2022, saving you the trouble of having to look for good...
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.
, Karah Prashad A sweet food made of flour, sugar, milk and butter. It is mixed in a bowl and offered to the Guru Granth
Sahib before being shared around the congregation.
Khanda A Sikh symbol made up of 2-edged sword (khanda), a circle (a chakra), 2 single-edged swords (kirpans).
Kirat Karna Working honestly while remembering God.
Kirpan A single-edged sword, often slightly curved.
Kirtan Singing hymns.
Langar Guru’s kitchen or free kitchen, or the meal served at the gurdwara.
Manji Sahib A pile of cushions that the Guru Granth Sahib is placed on.
Nam Japna Meditating on the name of God.
Naam Karan The naming ceremony.
Offerings Various offerings of money, flowers, food are placed before the Guru Granth Sahib as a sign of respect.
Palki The canopy above the Guru Granth Sahib.
Ragis A Sikh musician who plays hymns (shabads) in different ragas as prescribed in the Guru Granth Sahib.
Rumalla A highly decorated cloth used to cover the Guru Granth Sahib.
Sahajdhari “Slow adopter” not yet fully initiated into Khalsa, can also apply to Sikhs not born into the faith.
Tabla A small drum played with the fingers.
Takht Means “throne”: Raised platform or throne used to raise the Guru Granth Sahib in the prayer hall.
Vaisakhi The festival to celebrate the founding of the Khalsa.
Vaand Chhakna Giving to charity.
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