Interesting Facts

Sikhism, World's 5th largest religion

26 million followers worldwide

Over 500 years old

Originated in India

Sikhism is a distinct religion, having no links with Hinduism or Islam

People who wear turbans in the US are Sikhs

26 million Sikhs worldwide

Sikhs are living in America since 1897

Early Sikhs built railroads, and worked in lumber mills and on farms

83,000 Sikh soldiers died during 2 World wars

One million Sikhs live in North America, including 15,000 in the Greater Sacramento area

7 Sikh Temples in Capital area

First US Sikh Temple in Stockton, 1912


Sikhs believe in:
•Freedom of speech, religion
•Justice and liberty for all
•Defending civil liberties and protecting the defenseless
•Tolerance and absolute equality of all people without regard
to gender, race, caste, or religion
•One God common to all
•Equal right for women

Sikhs DO NOT Believe In:
•Sikhs do not believe in terrorism or hurting innocent people
•Sikhs do not believe in hate or racial profiling
•Sikhs do not believe in war based on religion
•Sikhs do not believe in proselytism
•Sikhs do not believe in fasting

Sikhs Turbans


99.9% of people with turbans in US are Sikhs

•Used to cover long, uncut hair and provides the distinct identity

•Approx. 15 feet of cloth wrapped neatly around the head every time it is put on

•Symbolizes discipline, integrity, humility, and spirituality

•Religious requirement - must be worn at all times in public

•A turban is not a hat. It cannot be casually taken on and off. It must be carefully retied each time it is removed

•Turbans are a mandatory part of Sikh faith, not a social custom

•Sikhs feel humiliated if asked to remove their turban in public, as doing so exposes an intimate part of their body
Sikh Americans are easily identified by their colorful turbans and unshorn hair