Last reviewed 1 Oct 2026 · Facts as of 1 Oct 2026 · 6 min read
Scope. Questions on Punjab's society and religion usually ask about Sikh institutions, practices, dress, food and customs. Use this note along with the Gurus, Gurdwara and Festivals notes.
1. Population and religions
- Sikhism is the majority religion in Punjab (about 57–58 % in Census 2011); Hindus are about 38 %; smaller communities include Muslims, Christians, Jains and Buddhists.
- Punjab is the only Indian state with a Sikh majority.
- Language: Punjabi (Gurmukhi script) is the official language; Hindi and English are widely used.
- Society is historically agrarian, with strong village communities and a large diaspora.
| Community | Region / note |
|---|---|
| Sikhs | Everywhere; strongest in Majha and Malwa |
| Hindus | Urban centres, Doaba and parts of Majha |
| Muslims | Concentrated in Malerkotla (a notable Muslim-majority town) and parts of the Malwa region |
| Christians | Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Jalandhar; missions since the 19th century |
| Jains and Buddhists | Small communities |
2. Sikh religion — core ideas
| Concept | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ik Onkar | God is one |
| Naam Japna | Remembering God |
| Kirat Karni | Earning by honest labour |
| Vand Chhakna | Sharing with others |
| Sangat | Holy congregation |
| Pangat | Sitting in a row to eat together in langar (equal) |
| Langar | Free community kitchen at gurdwaras |
| Seva | Voluntary service |
| Miri–Piri | Temporal and spiritual authority together |
| Sarbat da Bhala | Welfare of all |
| Guru Granth Sahib | The eternal Guru; 1,430 angs (pages) |
The Five Ks (Panj Kakkar)
Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (comb), Kara (steel bracelet), Kirpan (sword), Kachera (undergarment).
Amrit Sanchar and the Khalsa
- The initiation ceremony is Amrit Sanchar (Khande di Pahul), introduced on Baisakhi 1699.
- The initiated are Amritdhari Sikhs; five initiated Sikhs form the Panj Pyare.
3. Sikh institutions
| Institution | Details |
|---|---|
| Akal Takht (Amritsar) | The highest temporal seat of the Sikh community; built by Guru Hargobind (1606); issues hukamnamas |
| Five Takhts (Panj Takht) | Akal Takht (Amritsar), Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib (Anandpur Sahib), Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda), Takht Sri Patna Sahib (Bihar), Takht Sri Hazur Sahib (Nanded, Maharashtra) |
| SGPC (Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee) | Established 1920, legal status by the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925; manages historic gurdwaras in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal and Chandigarh |
| Shiromani Akali Dal | Political party founded 1920 |
| Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee | Manages gurdwaras in Delhi |
| Khalsa College, Amritsar | Founded 1892 |
| Sikh Rehat Maryada | Code of conduct, finalised by the SGPC in the 1930s–1945 |