The ceremony of initiation rite of Sikhism begins with the opening of the Guru Granth Sahib. They are asked if they are ready to accept the principles. Amrit, the baptism nectar made from a mixture of water and sugar pellets, is prepared and given to the disciple. Each of the candidates says `Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, sri Wahegur ji ki Fateh`. This means `The Khalsa is of God, the victory is to God` and thereafter drinks a handful of the amrit. Amrit is also sprinkled on their eyes and hair which is repeated five times. The Mool Mantra composed by Guru Nanak summarises the basic beliefs of Sikhism.
Those who wish to be initiated into the Khalsa should reach an age of responsibility usually fourteen to sixteen, must be in possession of the five religious symbols of Sikhism. The initiation ceremony, known as Amrit Sanskar, Pahul or Amrit Parchar, usually takes place in the Gurdwara. The ceremony is conducted by five members of the Khalsa must be devout Sikhs in possession of the five symbols of the Sikhs. The ceremony ends with the offering of Ardas. It is a general prayer used at the conclusion of services. The initiation ceremony is also called an Amritdhari which means "amrit taker" or one who has "taken on amrit".
The first five who were initiated into the Khalsa by receiving Amrit were Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Mukham Singh, Bhai Sahib Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh and Bhai Himmat Singh. The initiation ceremony requires the disciple to wash their hair, cover their head, and wear clean clothes and the five symbols before presenting themselves before six baptized Sikhs. The principals of Sikhism are explained to the initiator. Other breaches of the code of conduct are explained before Ardas is repeated.
