RAHITMARYAADA (Sikh Rahitmaryada)
Literally: that which should be lived, i.e. code of conduct.
„Sikh Rahitmaryaada‟ is code of conduct that a Sikh is obliged to follow. It includes “do(s) and don‟ts for a Sikh”. It defines various Sikh terms, Sikh conduct, religious rites, religious and social ceremonies, moral code, the essentials of the Sikh culture etc.
It was prepared by a Committee formed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (S.G.P.C.) which finalized the draft of this Rahitmaryaada in 1936, and released it for the Sikhs.
This committee which was formed in 1931. This committee held meetings on 4th and 5th October 1931, 3rd January 1932 and 31st January 1932. The draft prepared by this committee was discussed on 8th May 1932 and this it passed the finally revised draft on 26th September 1932. On 1st October, it was sent to the S.G.P.C. with a request to seek approval from the General House of the S.G.P.C. On 12th October the S.G.P.C. passed this draft and forwarded it to its „Dharmik Salahkaar Committee‟ (Religious Advisory Committee). This Committee recommended some revisions and passed the draft on 7th January 1945.
However, this draft of Rahitmaryaada is not final.
Several Sikh scholars have found that many of the points of this „draft‟ are not in consonance with Guru Granth Sahib.
No dera (including Chowk Mehta, Mastuana, Kaleran, Rara village) follows this Rahitmaryada. They have their own maryadas, most of these are totally against the teachings of Guru Sahib.
For details see: The Sikh Rahitmaryada (published by the S.G.P.C.). It is noteworthy that the The Sikh Rahitmaryaada published by the S.G.P.C. in 1996 is a bit different from the one published in 1950s. The S.G.P.C. has made several changes without any Panthic Gurmata.
Also see: Kurahit, Tankhaah, DOs & DON’Ts for a Sikh etc.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)