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Student Life

How to Greet a Sikh Friend (and Other Questions You Were Afraid to Ask)

USM

How do you greet a Sikh? Common Sikh greetings like Sat Sri Akal, how to address Sikh friends, names like Singh and Kaur, and other questions classmates ask.

On this page
  1. Names: Singh and Kaur
  2. Other questions classmates ask
  3. Being a good friend beyond the greeting
  4. Meet Sikh students on your campus

You just met your Sikh lab partner's family at move-in. Their grandmother smiles at you, folds her hands, and says something you did not quite catch. You smile back, nod a little too enthusiastically, and spend the rest of the day wondering what you should have said.

We have all been there. Here is a friendly guide to greetings, names, and the small questions classmates are often too shy to ask.

Names: Singh and Kaur

A few tips:

  • Do not assume all Singhs are related. They are usually not.
  • Ask how someone wants to be addressed. Some people go by their first name, some by a nickname, some by Singh or Kaur.
  • Learn to pronounce first names. Names like Gurpreet, Harjot, Simran, or Jaskaran are not hard, just unfamiliar to some people. Ask once, practice, and use the name.

Other questions classmates ask

Can I ask about their turban?

Usually yes, if you ask respectfully. "What does it mean to you?" works well. Never touch someone's turban. See our full guide, "Why Do Sikhs Wear Turbans?"

Do I say "Happy Diwali"?

Many Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas around the same time. "Happy Bandi Chhor Divas" is thoughtful, or just ask your friend what they celebrate. Our Bandi Chhor Divas guide explains why.

What if I mess up?

You will be fine. Most Sikhs are happy that you tried. A simple "Sorry, did I say that right?" goes a long way.

Being a good friend beyond the greeting

  • Learn the basics of Sikhi. Our Sikhi 101 guide takes about five minutes.
  • Show up to an SSA event: turban-tying days, kirtan nights, and langar-style dinners are usually open to everyone.
  • Visit a gurdwara with your friend sometime. Our first-time visitor guide tells you what to expect.
  • Speak up if someone mocks your friend's turban or name.

Meet Sikh students on your campus

Sikh Student Associations welcome friends and allies. United Sikh Movement supports 40 active chapters across the country.

More on USM

Find your sangat

Sikh students across the country are building community on campus. Here is how to plug in.

Start an SSA
No SSA at your school? We will help.
Join the newsletter
Events and opportunities in your inbox.
Events
Conferences, retreats, and chapter events.

Sources

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