The principles and tradition prescribed for the identification and regulating of the distinctive Sikh way of life are known as Sikh Rehit Maryada. The word Rehit is derived from Punjabi word ‘Rehna’ which means mode of living, whereas ‘Maryada’ is a Sanskrit word composed of ‘marya’ + ‘adda’ which means limits or bounds of rules and customs.

      Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, and his nine successors not only nurtured the Sikhism in the first two centuries of its existence, but also established a strict code of conduct, prescribing a distinctive pattern of personal appearance and social behavior. 

      The tenets of Sikhism and the principles of Rehit Maryada are not found in any particular written form; rather they are interspersed in Gurbani, other religious texts and historical records.

The significance of Sikh Rehit Maryada can be summed up in the following aspects:

1. The Distinct Sikh Appearance:
The first and foremost part of the pure and true Sikh physical appearance is the ‘Kesh’ or hair, i.e. unshorn hair of the head, covered under the turban, and the unshorn beard. ‘Kesh’ is one of the five symbols, which every initiated or true Sikh must adopt; the other four symbols being ‘Kangha’ (comb) ‘Karra’ (steel bangle) ‘Kachh’ (Kachera) (shorts) and Kirpan (sword). Collectively these are called Kakaars, or the five ‘Ks’ each beginning with the letter ‘K’. These five symbols were prescribed by the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh ji on the Vaisakhi day in 1699, at the time of initiation of the First five to the Khalsa Panth (brotherhood).
These symbols not only brought the Sikh community together, but also gave them a distinct, unique identity as well.

2. Religious Beliefs and Observances:
The basic tenet of Sikhism exhorts the Sikhs to have faith in One Infinite, Timeless and Formless Creator God. Any prayer addressed to the God is not addressed to any divine incarnation, the gods and goddesses, idols or images. For the Sikhs, ‘Guru’ means Guru Nanak Dev ji, his nine successors, and then Guru Granth Sahib, that was ordained by Guru Gobind Singh ji as the next Guru after him.
          For a Sikh, his devotional routine starts with rising early, take bath and recite morning prayers; then join the congregation at the Gurudwara in listening to the Gurbani and meditate upon Guru’s name.

3. Moral Conduct:
A true Sikh bows to the Will (hukam) of the God in all circumstances, and has deep faith in His compassion (rehmat) and grace (nadar). He considers this human life as a gift of God and a rare opportunity for his moral and spiritual evolution. Therefore active participation in life of the householder is given preference over asceticism. In the rehitnamas, or the prescribed decrees, every Sikh has been exhorted to be truthful, honest and humble; and to shun stealing, gambling and slander. Smoking and drinking are strictly prohibited in Sikhism. To give due respect to women, to treat all women, except one’s spouse, as mother, sister and daughter, is one of the most important aspects of Sikh maryada. Similarly the women, too, are required to be chaste and morally blameless.

4. Social Behaviour:
In Sikhism, much stress is laid upon equality and brotherhood. In the light of Guru Nanak Dev ji’s message:

fakarh jaatee fakarh naa-o.
(The Lord alone gives shade to all the beings.)

sabhnaa jee-aa ikaa chhaa-o.
(Presposterous is caste and vain the glory.)

          the Sikh Gurus, rejecting the caste system, instructed the Sikhs to accept all mankind as one. The Sikh concept of ‘sangat’ or fellowship and ‘pangat’ or commensality (eating together) put an end to the distinctions based on caste and creed. The equality between man and woman are also a part of Sikh maryada, under which social veils like sati or female infanticide are forbidden. An emphasis on the concept of seva (selfless service) has been a practical step in the realization of universal brotherhood; and this seva includes doing manual work in the ‘Langar’ or the common kitchen; as well as to have readiness in making any sacrifice to help the oppressed. The basic concepts of Sikh Rehit Maryada can be summed up in three words: ‘Naam Japna’ (meditating in God’s name) ‘Kirat Karni’ (to work with one’s own hands) and ‘Vand Chhakna’ (to eat together).  

1.    With which language is the word Rehat Associated?
        I. Sanskrit             II. Urdu             III. Persian             IV. Punjabi

2.   With which language is the word Maryada associated?
        I. Sanskrit             II. Urdu             III. Persian            IV. Punjabi

3.   Who was the founder of Sikhism?
        I. Guru Nanak Dev ji               II. Guru Angad Dev ji   
        III. Guru Amardas ji                 IV. Guru Ramdas ji

5.   Which is the first important aspect of distinct Sikh appearance?
        I. Hand           II. Hair           III. Face           IV. Feet

6.     How many Kakaars are required to be adopted by a true Sikh?
        I. Two           II. Three           III. Five           IV. Six

7.   Which of the following is not included in the Kakaars?
        I. Kanga           II. Kangan           III. Kada           IV. Kirpan

8.   Which Guru prescribed the use of Kakaars for a true Sikh?
        I. Guru Nanak Dev ji                 II. Guru Angad Dev ji
        III. Guru Hargobind Singh ji    IV. Guru Gobind Singh ji

9.   When was the Holy Amrit administered for the first time?
        I. 1699AD            II.  1799AD            III.  1599AD         IV.  1499AD

10.  What do the Sikhs believe in?
        I. Gods-Goddesses       II. Divine incarnation      III. Guru Granth Sahib      IV. Idol Worship

11.   In whose will does the Sikh bow?
        I. Gods-Goddesses            II. Divine powers            III. Kings            IV. Waheguru

12.  Does the Guru believe in caste system?
        I. Yes          II. No          III. Don’t know          IV. Sometimes

13.  According to Sikh Rehat Maryada, which is given preference – life of Householder or Asceticism?
        I. Householder      II. Asceticism       III. Both      IV. None

14.  Which principle is emphasized in Sikh religion?
        I. Unity among Mankind     II. Brotherhood     III. Both      IV. None

15.  In which words are the principles of Rehat Maryada expressed?        
        I. Naam Japna       II. Kirat Karni       III.Vand Chhakna       IV. All three of these

1.   Sikh Reht Maryada, Dharam Prachar Committee (Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee), Sri Amritsar, 2009
2.   Mahan Kosh, Kahn Singh Nabha, Language Department Punjab, Patiala, 2006
3.   The Encyclopaedia of Sikhism (Part-III), Harbans Singh, Punjabi University Patiala, 2002 
4.   Sri Guru Granth Sahib (English & Punjabi Translation) (Vol. I - VIII), Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Commitee, Sri Amritsar, 2006