PUNJ ISHNAANA
Literally: ‘ishnaan’ (bath, washing or cleaning) of ‘punj’ (the five parts of body): two hands, two feet and the mouth/face .
Punj Ishnaana is a part of Hindu culture; in Islamic culture ‘vuzoo’ (washing of hands and mouth) is almost a similar ritual.
A Sikh has an obligation to get up as early as possible and have a full shower before beginning his/her daily routine. Punj Ishnaana is not the Sikh system of shower. Taking shower means cleaning the whole of one’s body and becoming active. The Punj Ishnaana does not serve this purpose. A Sikh is expected to get up in early hours of morning (wee hours); this hour has nothing to do with religion or spirituality; its purpose is that one should get ready and be active for daily routine as soon as possible.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)