Sikhism – Religion in America Lecture Series

Sikhism – Religion in America Lecture Series

Manpreet Kaur, Ph.D. student at the Department of Religion at Columbia University, will speak about the history of the formation of Sikh faith and its scriptural tradition. In addition to the basic beliefs and common practices that define Sikhism, now a global religion, her talk will emphasize the role of community, sacred space, and devotional performance in the daily life of a Sikh. She’ll start from the foundation of the religion in the 15th century, its consolidation through the early modern period and contribution to the ideals of that society, and conclude with its current form in both India and abroad. All are welcome.

Bio: Manpreet Kaur is a Ph.D. student at the Department of Religion, Columbia University. She studies the devotional traditions of the greater Punjab region, particularly the intermingling of Sikh, Sufi, and Hindu Bhakti traditions and practices in the pre-colonial period, roughly 1300-1700 CE. In the past, she has also done ethnographic work on the festivals of these communities in the Indian side of Punjab.