Growth of the Sikh community

Political advancement

Philosophy and teachings

Pursuing salvation

The ten gurus and religious authority

Scripture

Representation

Observances and ceremonies

Ceremonies and customs

Baptism and the Khalsa

Sikhs in World Wars

Ceremonies and customs

The anand k�raj (Sikh marriage) ceremony.

Nanak taught that rituals, religious ceremonies or empty worship is of little use and Sikhs are discouraged from fasting or going on pilgrimages.[36] However, during the period of the later gurus, and due to increased institutionalisation of the religion, some ceremonies and rites did arise. Sikhism is not a proselytizing religion and most Sikhs do not make active attempts to gain converts. However, converts to Sikhism are welcomed, although there is no formal conversion ceremony. Upon a child's birth, the Gurū Granth S�hib is opened at a random point and the child is named using the first letter on the top left-hand corner of the left page. All boys are given the middle name or surname Singh, and all girls are given the middle name or surname Kaur.[37] Sikhs are joined in wedlock through the anand k�raj ceremony. Sikhs marry when they are of a sufficient age (child marriage is taboo), and without regard for the future spouse's caste or descent. The marriage ceremony is performed in the company of the Gurū Granth S�hib; around which the couple circles four times. After the ceremony is complete, the husband and wife are considered "a single soul in two bodies."[38] According to Sikh religious rites, neither husband nor wife are permitted to divorce. A Sikh couple that wishes to divorce may be able to do so in a civil court – but this is not condoned.[39] Upon death, the body of a Sikh is usually cremated. If this is not possible, any means of disposing the body may be employed. The kīrtan s�hil� and ard�s prayers are performed during the funeral ceremony (known as antim sansk�r).[40]