Sikhism was born out of the teachings of Guru Nanak, at the beginning of the 16th Century. This movement rejected the hemony and the socio-economic divisions of the brahmanical society.

Founded by Guru Nanak in 1469, it was intended to bring together the best of Hindu and Islamic religions. Its basic tenets are similar to that of Hinduism, with the important modification that the Sikhs are opposed to caste distinctions.

Sikhs worship in Gurudwaras. The Holy Book of the Sikhs is the Granth Sahib which contains the works of ten Sikh gurus together with Hindu and Muslim writings. It was the tenth guru of the Sikhs who gave them their identity by enjoining upon them the Five Ks. All followers of Sikhism are never to be without the kanga (comb), karkha (bangle), kacha (distinctive kind of underwear), carry a kirpan (sword) and kesh (leave their hair uncut). Their children are baptized at a ceremony known as 'pahul'. .

The belief that all men and women are born equal is part of the tenets of sewa (service or inter-aid). Every man, woman and child gives his or her time to help in the Gurudwaras. Food is cooked by the devotees and distributed twice a day, which people from all social strata eat together.