Students walking through Bruin Plaza today will see cultural dances, turban-tying and self-defense performances, all of which are parts of the Sikh Awareness Day festivities.
Hosted by the UCLA Sikh Student Association, the all-day event is designed to educate students about the Sikh religion and allow them to experience the culture of this faith, said Naina Singh, a first-year biochemistry student and an organizer of Sikh Awareness Day.
Sikhism is a religion that originated in the 1400s in the Indian state of Punjab, said Onkar Dhindsa, a first-year psychology student and one of the event organizers. He added that the monotheistic religion is based on the teachings of 10 gurus, who were enlightened leaders, and focuses on three principles: remembering God, living righteously and sharing with the needy.
Sikhism has a rocky history within the Muslim empire, which gave Sikhs an ultimatum of abandoning their religion or death, Dhindsa said. As a result, he said that Sikhs believe in being both a saint and a soldier to defend the weak and what is right. Based on this history, male Sikhs wear turbans as a part of their religious identity.
“By wearing a turban, you don’t hide, and you stand out,” he said.
Despite the long history of Sikhism, as well as its place as the world’s fifth-largest religion, Dhindsa said that few people know about the religion or are even aware of its existence.
“People always assume I’m Muslim,” he said.
Singh also said that the lessons of Sikhism can be incorporated into one’s daily activities.
“Sikhism isn’t just a religion, it’s a way of life,” Singh said. “It preaches acceptance of diversity and equality of all living creatures.”
The Sikh Student Association decided to host Sikh Awareness Day to disseminate information about the religion and dispel stereotypes.
“We feel there are misconceptions, which leads to ignorant comments,” said Jasmine Goindi, a second-year history student and one of the board members for the Sikh Student Association.
“We want to avoid this and educate people,” she said.
Activities will include a turban-tying table, at which students will be able to wear a turban and get their photo taken. The event will also feature Bhangra cultural dance performances and Sikh self-defense demonstrations. In addition, tables with information about Sikhism and its history will be located throughout Bruin Plaza.
Free Punjabi food such as samosas, which are stuffed pastries, and mango lassi, a sweet yogurt drink, will be served.
By introducing students to various aspects of Sikhism, Goindi said that she hopes students will gain a greater understanding of the religion.
“Students should go to broaden their horizons … and be aware of who is around them,” she said.