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192 of equality, and aimed at welding them into one religious and political body. To effect this he set up a number of ordinances binding on all.

In a Sikh household on the thirteenth day after a boy is born the father takes him to a Granthi (Scripture reader), who, after reading certain portions of the 'Granth,' solemnly lets it fall open wherever it chances. He then looks at the heading of the stanza where it opens, and its initial letter must be the initial of the boy's name, which is then selected from the stock of names which they have commencing with every letter of their alphabet. The pahal or Sikh oath of initiation may be administered to a boy when he reaches an intelligent age—at twelve or so—or at any age afterwards. There must be five Sikhs present to make this lawful. The candidate is dressed in a white tunic, and in the kach or tight white drawers reaching half way down to the knee, and is girt with a sword. The 1st chapter of the 'Adi-Granth' and Govind's 'Granth' are