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Taking Amrit

Taren and Jovan, two brothers, show and describe the ritual of becoming a Khalsa Sikh as young adults, remembering the story of Guru Gobind Singh from 300 years ago.

Religions often mark deeper commitment with a ceremony or celebration. This can be for young people as they become adults, or take place at other times. In Sikhism, this is the Amrit ceremony. A special ceremony called taking Amrit is the way to become Khalsa Sikhs. Wearing the Five Ks is how many Sikhs show their commitment. Here, 11 year old Taran and his brother Joven show us what happened at their Amrit and explain the customs. Amrit is made from sugar water stirred with a sword. It is blessed and sprinkled on the hair and eyes. Taran says there is β€œsomething special about it as the prayers that have been read over it are really powerful prayers.”
Amrit can be taken by men, women or children - like Taran and Joven. It is taken in the presence of five Khalsa Sikhs, and the holy scriptures, the Guru Granth Sahib. Taran describes his feelings: β€œI was really excited and I was, I was a bit nervous, with like butterflies in my stomach. It was a bit awkward at first, but when you walk in it, all the worries just go out the door.”
During the ceremony Sikhs make promises never to cut their hair, to smoke or to drink alcohol, and, to wear the 5 Ks at all times. Joining the Khalsa is a community thing: Taran and Joven are part of a big family of Sikhs, which they’ll be part of for the rest of their lives.

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