Sikhism in Catalonia
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The Sikh community of Catalonia is a religious and cultural community originating from the Indian region of Punjab. Currently, there are 13,000 Sikhs throughout the Catalan territory.[1]
Sikhs who are members of the Khalsa can be easily recognized by wearing five distinguishing items, known as the five Ks: the kesh (uncut hair and beard), kangha (a wooden comb), kachera (cotton undergarments), kara (a steel bracelet), and kirpan (a dagger).[2]
They stand out for defending the social equality, whether in terms of gender, race, religion and they promote helping others and sharing with those in need.[1]
History
[edit]In Catalonia, Sikhs began arriving in the 1980s, but it was not until the 2000s that the community became important, especially in Barcelona and Girona. In 1992, they created a gurdwara at number 97 of Carrer of Barcelona Hospital. The gurdwaras feed around 1,500 people every day, free of charge,[3] regardless of their origin, religion or nationality.[citation needed]
The Sikh Community of Catalonia won the 4th edition of the Martí Gasull i Roig Award for excellence in the defense of the language, in the popular vote category.[4] The finalists were La Bressola and Softcatalà. In this edition of the awards, which are given by the Plataforma per la Llengua, grammarian and linguist Albert Jané has also been recognized, with the Special Jury Prize for his career.[5][3][6]
Festivities
[edit]In Catalonia, Sikhs celebrate the Nagar Kirtan festival, a public procession that takes place through the streets. This procession takes place in municipalities where there is a gurdwara, such as Vic, Lloret de Mar or Badalona.[citation needed]
They also celebrate Vaisakhi, the Sikh new year, which at the same time commemorates the creation of the Khalsa, a religious order that brings together all baptized Sikhs. To celebrate this festival, it is essential for the Sikhs to take out the Guru Granth Sahib, their holy book, in procession. During these events, food is distributed to everyone, martial arts demonstrations are made and sacred songs are performed with music.[2]
Representation
[edit]The spokesperson for the Sikh community in Catalonia is Gurdev Singh i Khalsa, a young Vigatan of Indian origin born in Catalonia.
Accredited disseminator of Sikhism, he represents the Sikh community before government institutions on a national scale and is the point of reference in the field.
On March 8, 2020, she held a prominent feminist event on public streets to demand equality from a more religious point of view; with the presence of various faiths and associations.[citation needed]
References
[edit]- ^ a b 324cat (2022-11-23). "La comunitat sikh, una religió poc coneguda amb 13.000 seguidors a Catalunya". 3Cat (in Catalan). Retrieved 2025-07-26.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ a b "La comunitat sikh es prepara per celebrar el Baisakhi". Departament de Governació, Administracions Públiques i Habitatge (in Catalan). Archived from the original on 2017-03-06. Retrieved 2025-07-26.
- ^ a b Eduard. "Gagan Deep Singh: "Els sikhs compartim i obrim les portes a tothom"". Núvol (in Catalan). Retrieved 2025-07-26.
- ^ "La Comunitat Sikh de Catalunya guanya el Premi Martí Gasull i Roig". El Món (in Catalan). Archived from the original on 2019-08-17. Retrieved 2025-07-26.
- ^ "La Comunitat Sikh de Catalunya reconeguda amb el Premi Martí Gasull". Llengua catalana (in Catalan). Archived from the original on 2017-03-06. Retrieved 2025-07-26.
- ^ ""Treballo molt, no em queixo i ho comparteixo tot: soc sikh"". La Vanguardia (in Catalan). 2017-06-27. Retrieved 2025-07-26.