Planning a trip that involves visiting Sikh religious or historical sites? Whether you’re heading to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Takht Sri Patna Sahib in Bihar, or Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan, understanding Sikh history will greatly enhance your travel experience.
Sikhism is a rich, vibrant faith with deep historical roots and spiritual teachings. Learning the basics before your trip will not only show respect for the places and people you visit, but it will also give your journey more meaning and context. The best part? You don’t need to dive into textbooks or formal courses—there are plenty of easy, accessible ways to learn.
In this post, we’ll explore simple, engaging methods to learn about Sikh history—even if you’re short on time.
1. Watch Documentaries and YouTube Channels
One of the most engaging ways to start learning about Sikh history is through visual content. Documentaries and YouTube videos make complex topics easier to understand and often include reenactments, animations, and expert commentary.
Recommended Content:
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“The Story of the Sikhs” (PBS) – Offers a great overview for beginners.
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YouTube Channels like:
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Basics of Sikhi – Known for bite-sized videos on Sikh principles and history.
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SikhNet – Stories, animations, and historical accounts.
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Nanak Naam – Focuses on deeper spiritual insights, ideal after grasping the basics.
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Tip: Start with videos on Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, and gradually move through the ten Gurus to understand the foundation of the faith.
2. Listen to Sikh History Podcasts
If you’re traveling, commuting, or just like learning on the go, podcasts are an excellent tool. They’re free, easy to digest, and ideal for multitaskers.
Popular Sikh History Podcasts:
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The Sikh History Podcast – Offers episodes on the Gurus, the Sikh empire, and battles.
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Sikh Archive Podcast – In-depth interviews with historians, authors, and Sikh scholars.
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Gurbani Vichaar – Focuses on scripture interpretation but often includes historical references.
Pro Tip: Download episodes before your trip so you can listen offline during flights or train rides.
3. Read Beginner-Friendly Books
Books provide a more detailed understanding, and many authors write specifically for readers who are new to Sikhism. You don’t need to be an academic—there are plenty of simple, engaging reads.
Recommended Books:
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“Sikhism: A Very Short Introduction” by Eleanor Nesbitt – Perfect for beginners.
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“The Sikhs” by Patwant Singh – A great mix of history, culture, and personal stories.
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“Guru Nanak: The First Sikh Guru” by Navtej Sarna – A concise biography for first-time learners.
You can find e-book versions on Amazon Kindle or Google Books if you prefer reading digitally.
4. Explore Sikh History Through Mobile Apps
There are several apps designed for Sikh youth and beginners that make learning fun and interactive.
Try These Apps:
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Sikh World: Offers Gurbani radio, live stream from Gurudwaras, and Sikh history articles.
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Sikh History App: A timeline-style approach to historical events, great for quick facts.
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Khalis Foundation’s apps: Focus on Gurbani but include contextual historical lessons.
Apps are especially useful if you’re traveling and want to study in short bursts.
5. Visit Local Gurudwaras and Speak with Granthis
If you’re new to Sikhism, visiting a local Gurudwara before your trip is a respectful and insightful step. Most Gurudwaras are open to visitors and have people willing to share information.
What You Can Do:
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Attend a weekly kirtan or prayer session.
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Ask the Granthi (scripture reader) or a sewadar (volunteer) for booklets or pamphlets.
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Join in langar and strike up conversations with regular attendees.
Many Gurudwaras also have libraries or youth education programs. Some even host beginner classes in English or your local language.
6. Follow Sikh History Pages on Social Media
Turn your daily scrolling into a learning opportunity by following Sikh history accounts on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Pages to Follow:
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@the.sikh.history (Instagram) – Posts beautiful visuals and quick facts.
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@sikharchive – Offers archival photos, manuscripts, and historical commentary.
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@basicsofsikhi – Also active on Instagram and Facebook, not just YouTube.
Engaging with these posts regularly will help you absorb small bits of history over time.
7. Join Online Webinars or Virtual Gurmat Camps
Many Sikh organizations offer online educational sessions and webinars, especially around major Gurpurabs or Sikh holidays. Some are even designed for beginners or non-Sikh travelers.
Look out for:
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Virtual Gurmat Camps: Typically hosted by diaspora communities in the UK, Canada, and the US.
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Zoom Lectures by Sikh Scholars: Often advertised on Facebook or Eventbrite.
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Instagram/YouTube Lives: Interactive sessions with Q&A segments.
These events are free, open, and often welcoming to people from all backgrounds.
8. Take a Virtual Tour of Sikh Heritage Sites
Several websites and apps now offer virtual tours of Gurudwaras and Sikh heritage sites. This helps you familiarize yourself with locations before visiting in person.
Try These:
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360-degree tours of the Golden Temple – Available on the official SGPC website and YouTube.
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Google Earth Sikh Heritage Tour – Includes sites from India, Pakistan, and beyond.
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The Sikh Museum Initiative (UK) – Offers virtual exhibits and 3D models of artifacts.
These tours often include historical background, making your real-life visit more immersive and informed.
9. Learn Basic Sikh Terminology and Practices
Before visiting Gurudwaras, it’s helpful to know key Sikh terms and customs. This will help you blend in respectfully and avoid unintentional mistakes.
Must-Know Terms:
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Guru Granth Sahib – The central religious scripture of Sikhism.
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Langar – Free communal kitchen in Gurudwaras.
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Sewa – Voluntary service.
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Sangat – Congregation or community.
You can find short explainer videos and articles on sites like Basics of Sikhi or SikhNet.
10. Ask Questions and Be Curious
Lastly, one of the most powerful learning tools is simply asking questions. Whether you’re at a Gurudwara, in a travel group, or chatting with Sikh friends, don’t hesitate to show curiosity.
Respectful questions like:
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“What does this symbol mean?”
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“Can you explain why everyone removes their shoes here?”
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“What’s the story behind this Gurudwara?”
These questions not only help you learn, but they also build bridges with the community.
Final Thoughts: A Little Learning Goes a Long Way
You don’t have to become a historian to appreciate Sikh history. Even a few hours spent learning before your trip will deepen your connection to the places you visit, the people you meet, and the spiritual atmosphere around you.
Whether you choose books, podcasts, apps, or virtual tours, the key is to start with curiosity and humility. Sikhism places great value on sewa, simran (meditation), and sangat (community)—and learning is the first form of respectful sewa you can do as a traveler.
