Why and When Sikhs Started Identifying with Alcohol: A Complex Legacy

Several decades ago, I found myself attending a wedding in Punjab. The celebration was abuzz with the lively atmosphere and joys of the occasion. However, as I wandered around the venue, I noticed something intriguing: despite the cultural and religious significance of the turban in Sikhism, many Sikhs were drinking alcohol openly. This observation led me to delve into the complex intertwining of alcohol and Sikh identity

A Personal Encounter

It was one of the off-days, and the village was teeming with life. My cousin, studying at Lovely University Jalandhar, was sitting with me on a table. Standing at over 6 feet, he was tall, dressed in traditional Punjabi attire, complete with a turban. His presence was commanding, yet young and dashing. In such a setting, it wasn’t uncommon to see people engaging in light drinking. However, as I observed, it was clear that these actions were often a polar opposite of what Sikhism teaches.

Unexpectedly, a person approached us, unsolicited, with a whiskey bottle. My cousin's response was immediate and sharp: "Aha Kam Ni Karna Galat Bande Naal Takar Gaye Tusi." This translated to "That's enough sir, you shouldn't have brought that." The composure with which he spoke was stark, and I was taken aback. Typically, such offers are met with persistent persuasion, but not from him. Even without being a heavy drinker, he was resolute in his decision.

This incident highlighted the cultural complexity of alcohol in the Sikh community. While many Sikhs do not consume alcohol, those who do often do so openly, sometimes challenging the traditional norms. This raises questions about identity and adherence to religious teachings.

Sikhism and Alcohol: A Divergent Path

Sikhism, a religion founded by Guru Nanak, emphasizes the importance of living a truthful and righteous life. The teachings of the Guru emphasize the significance of discipleship and adherence to moral and spiritual principles. Alcoholic consumption is explicitly discouraged in these teachings, as evident in various scriptures from the Guru Granth Sahib.

For instance, the Shalok of Guru Amar Das, found in the Guru Granth Sahib, clearly states:

nMāas bariā āiā māas bariā āe.
One person brings a full bottle and another fills his cup.

nJi pīai ma ūr hoe baral pavai vic āe.
Drinking the wine his intelligence departs and madness enters his mind.

nāpā parāiā na pacāī kasmahu ake kāe.
He cannot distinguish between his own and others and he is struck down by his Lord and Master.

nJi pīai kasam visrai argh milai sajāe.
Drinking it he forgets his Lord and Master and he is punished in the Court of the Lord.

nJūā ma mūl na pīcī je kā pār vasāe.
Do not drink the false wine at all if it is in your power.

These verses clearly caution against the consumption of alcohol and highlight the dangers associated with such behavior. The teachings of Guru Arjan Dev also reinforce these ideas:

Hocā ma cāk hoe um bāvar ulab janam akārath. 1
You taste the weak insipid wine and you have gone insane. You have uselessly wasted this precious human life. 1

These teachings, among others, reflect the deep-rooted belief in Sikhism that alcohol is against the spiritual and moral path. However, it is critical to understand that not all Sikhs are staunch abstinence campaigners. There are varying levels of adherence within the community, and some may choose to indulge in alcohol as a personal choice, albeit one that is deeply criticized within the teachings of Sikhism.

Cultural Context and Identity

Despite the clear teachings against alcohol in Sikhism, the cultural and social context of Punjab often presents a complex picture. The turban, a symbol of identity and unity in the Sikh community, can sometimes be misinterpreted as a uniform of those who consume alcohol. This is a stark contrast to the teachings and practices of Sikhism.

The term "Sardar," often used by Sikhs, can also be a source of confusion. While it historically referred to a respectable leader, the term's modern perception is often tainted by the image of a clean-shaven, party-going individual who embraces alcohol. This stereotype is at odds with the jandee (faithful) aspect of Sikh identity that is rooted in the teachings of the Gurus.

In conclusion, the relationship between Sikhs and alcohol is a multifaceted issue. It reflects the complex interplay between personal choice, cultural practices, and the deeply held spiritual beliefs of Sikhism. While some Sikhs choose to indulge in alcohol, doing so is often in direct opposition to the teachings of their faith, highlighting the ongoing tension between tradition and personal practices in the Sikh community today.