ABSTRACT
Although the growing global trend of people reporting no religious affiliation is not as pronounced in India, there are Sikhs in India and the diaspora who have described themselves as atheist, agnostic, rationalist, cultural, or religious Sikhs. Those who reject some aspects of Sikh belief and practice, however, often nonetheless retain some connection to their Sikh heritage. Bhagat Singh, in his famous essay “Why I Am an Atheist,” explains his rejection of belief in any sort of divinity but also highlights components of Sikh history, such as Guru Gobind Singh’s leadership, that he finds meaningful. Similarly, Khushwant Singh was a lifelong agnostic but still kept the Five Ks and was comforted by Sikh prayers. The Internet and social media have created spaces for lively discussions among those who question and reject aspects of their Sikh heritage, highlighting complex interactions among practices deemed “cultural” rather than “religious.”
