The Sikh religion was first founded in Punjab (in current-day India and Pakistan) by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in 1469. It is a monotheistic or monist worldview and the fifth biggest religion in the world, with an estimated 30 million followers, 90% of whom live in India, mainly in the north. About 700,000 Sikhs live in the US and there are sizeable populations in Australia, New Zealand, East Africa, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. From 1799, Sikhs ruled a religiously tolerant and diverse empire (the Sikh Empire) across Punjab and neighbouring territories, an area of 520,000 km2 at its peak, from 1799 to 1849, when it was defeated in the Second Anglo-Sikh War. Many Muslims and followers of other religions were appointed to high office under the Sikh Empire. The most important Sikh scripture is the Ad Granth (‘first volume’) aka Guru Granth Sahib. It contains words of the Ten Gurus of Sikhism, and words from other religions, including Hinduism and Islam. To mark special occasions such as an important family event or before the start of a festival, the Ad Granth is sometimes read in its entirety continuously (in relay) in a 48-hour or up to 10-day ritual known as akhand path. The Ad Granth, completed in 1604, was written in Punjabi, Sindhi, Sanskrit, Gujarati, Marathi, Eastern Hindi, Eastern Apabhramshas, Persian and Arabic. It begins with the widely known and recited Mūl Mantar, summarising the Sikh belief in the existence of one timeless, self-existent Supreme Being devoid of fear or hate. Sikhism rejects caste, class, gender divisions and any other systems that divide people from each other, and emphasises service to all humanity. It teaches followers to be free of hatred and encourages all people to see beyond differences to work together for world peace and harmony. It views life as a unique opportunity for each of us to discover and develop our own divinity and recognise that of others while remaining firmly grounded and actively involved in the world. Three cornerstones of Sikhism are: Naam (meditation, prayer and kirtan); Kirat Karni (honest labour while remembering the Lord); Wand kay Shako (sharing with others). In 1699, the 10th and last living Sikh Guru gave the Sikhs a unique identity with five articles of faith including ‘unshorn hair as a gift of God and Guru and a mark of Sikh identity’. He also ordered Sikh men to adopt the surname Singh (lion) and women the surname Kaur (princess). Traditionally, and often in practice, Sikh men when in public wear turbans (in any colour of preference) and Sikh women cover their heads with a long scarf to protect their hair, though many Sikh women today wear turbans instead. For many, the turban symbolises alignment with the higher self or sovereignty. Sikhs are expected to live a life of moderation and shun substances that harm the body or mind, therefore all intoxicants are forbidden. Most Sikhs are allowed to choose whether or not to consume any kinds of meat but Sikhism forbids the consumption of animals slaughtered according to religious guidelines, therefore Sikhs do not eat halal or kosher meat. The most important Sikh holiday is Vaisakhi (aka Baisakhi) in April to celebrate the Sikh New Year. Other important dates are the birthdays of Guru Nanak (full moon in November) and Guru Gobind Singh and the martyrdom days of Guru Arjan and Guru Teg Bahadar. Sikhs do not have a special holy day of the week and can worship at home but often choose to worship in congregation at a Gurdwara. Gurdwaras are not just places of worship but also community centres with kitchens that serve only vegetarian food for reasons of inclusivity. Any building containing the Ad Granth is considered a Gurdwara as the book has the same status as a living guru. Gurdwaras are managed by a committee from the community. Sikhs do not have an ecclesiastical hierarchy or authority but each Gurdwara has a trained Granthi (custodian/reader of the Ad Granth). Any Sikh can lead the prayers and recite the scriptures. Kirtan (hymn singing or chanting) is an essential part of Sikh worship. In Western countries, Sikhs often choose to visit a Gurdwara on Sundays. Ritualistic devices such as candles, pictures or statues are not used in Gurdwaras. Anyone of any faith is welcome to visit a Gurdwara but should familiarise themselves with its customs before doing so.