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Summary of Question:	Who Chooses The Panj Piare?
Category:	General Q's from Non-Sikhs
Date Posted:	Sunday, 11/03/2002 1:30 AM MST

Sat Sri Akaal Ji,

I have a few questions reguarding the leadership of the Sikh faith. Who chooses the Panj Piare, and what is their exact leadership role? Who qualifies for the position, and what are the requirements? Also, I understand that they are supposed to be chosen by the people. Is this done in a sort of general election, or some other way? If the former, how is it organized, and do Sikhs around the world get to participate or is it all done in the Punjab?
Thanks for your time.

V.A.
(REPLY) Sat Nam. There are many groups of Panj Piare, because the Amrit ceremony is conducted all over the world, not just in India. Different people in different cities are usually chosen by the local Granthi (the head minister or priest you might call him or her) The qualifications are that each of the Panj (five) be living according to the Sikh Code of Conduct (Rehit Maryada) and be him/herself an Amritdhari (baptised) Sikh. I suggest you go tothe SikhNet home page and click on to the link for Sikh Ceremonies - "Victory and Virtue"