The religion has no trained priesthood: anyone can lead the service, although there are individuals specially trained to read the Gurmukhi script in which the Guru Granth is written. Sikhs believe in reincarnation even to the extent that in previous lives they may have lived in other life forms, but it is only the human incarnation that can experience the love of God. Death is therefore perceived as the next stage in a succession of lives in much the same way as going to sleep at night. In fact one of the principal funeral prayers, the Sohila Mahala, is said before going to bed.

Sikhs have forbidden tobacco, alcohol, drugs (unless medicinal), and eating of meat slaughtered by bleeding to death since it is considered cruel to animals. They must also refrain from gambling, stealing and adultery. Charity and community service are actively encouraged. All Sikh men have the surname Singh (lion) and all Sikh women, the surname Kaur (princess).

Sikhs usually worship together at a gurdwara, which means ‘door of the guru.’ Gurdwaras vary greatly in shape, size and appearance, with the best-known and most holy being the Golden Temple at Amritsar in the Punjab state of India.

This sacred place is surrounded by water and is approached via a causeway. Gurdwaras are normally purpose-built, but outside India Sikh communities have converted existing buildings.

Whatever the building’s appearance, all gurdwaras share some common features.