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Sikh Cultural Services

Berge Pappas Smith is dedicated to understanding and respecting the Sikh funeral rites and rituals. Our knowledgeable and respectful staff members have undergone extensive training to ensure that we can provide the necessary guidance and support to Sikh families during their time of mourning. We adapt our entire facility to meet the needs of Sikh families, creating an inclusive and comforting environment. Our commitment to cultural sensitivity, compassion, and inclusivity allows us to honor the traditions, values, and beliefs of Sikh families with the utmost care and reverence.

  • We provide guidance and support to Sikh families, ensuring their cultural and religious needs are met.
  • Our facility is adapted to meet the specific requirements of Sikh families.
  • We respect the customs, values, and beliefs of the Sikh community.
  • Our staff members listen attentively and honor the unique experiences of Sikh families.
  • We strive to create a space that feels familiar and comforting, with appropriate seating arrangements, prayer rooms, and traditional Sikh symbols.

Common Questions Regarding Sikh Services

Sikh funeral rites hold profound significance within the Sikh faith, reflecting the core principles of equality, humility, and devotion to the divine. When a Sikh passes away, the body is treated with respect and care, often dressed in traditional clothing, with the Five Ks symbolizing the Sikh identity. The funeral ceremony, known as “Antam Sanskar,” is conducted with the reading of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture. Cremation is a common practice, emphasizing the belief in the transient nature of the physical body and the soul’s journey towards reunification with the Creator. Sikhs view death as a natural transition and an opportunity to merge with the divine. The community comes together to support the grieving family, offering prayers, hymns, and reflective discussions on the teachings of the Gurus. Sikh funeral rites exemplify the spiritual journey of the departed soul and the importance of remembering and following the teachings of Guru Nanak and subsequent Sikh Gurus.

Most Sikh funerals include the recital of Ardas, a community prayer, as well as two daily prayers, Japji and Kirtan Sohila. Typically there are family eulogies as well as a witness cremation to follow the Funeral Service.
The Service typically lasts between 2-3 Hours.

If you’re unsure of what to wear to a Sikh funeral, it is best to ask the family of the deceased person. Mourners usually wear modest clothing. Heads should be covered, with men wearing a hat or a cap and women wearing a headscarf.

Men and women typically wear head coverings, dress modestly and avoid showing too much skin. White is a common color to wear. White is meant to represent the purity of the loved ones soul.

When greeting the bereaved at a Sikh funeral, it’s customary to put your hands together in a prayer position and give a slight bow. If you aren’t sure about this, it’s also acceptable to shake hands. In either case, it’s considered respectful to greet the eldest member of the family.
Sikhism believes that you need to be sober for the services and request attendies to not drink alcohol or take illicit drugs before the funeral service.
Sikhism is an eastern religion that originated in the Punjab region of southern Asia. Similar to Hinduism, Sikhs believe in reincarnation and karma, and think the purpose of life is to gain enlightenment through meditation and the teachings of the gurus.
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