Growing Up Sikh: Faith in the Background of Everyday Life

Growing up Sikh in my family was quite simple. On Sundays, we’d sometimes have shabhads and kirtan (prayers and hymns) playing softly in the background, while me and my twin fought over who got to walk around the house with the incense sticks, not realising at the time that we were actually cleansing the space.

In our living room, there was a large, beautiful statement picture of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, with his White Hawk, riding his horse. It felt powerful. In our bedrooms, we had pictures of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Our faith was always present. Not forced, not overwhelming, just there. Something I was proud of. Something that felt like home.

A New Chapter, A New Home

Fast forward a few years. Just before moving into our home, we found out I was pregnant. Things weren’t easy, both pre and post pregnancy (I’ve shared more about that in my other blog). Because of that, making our house feel like ours had to take a back seat for a while.

When we finally settled in, I knew I wanted something different when it came to art and faith. I wanted something powerful yet simple. Elegant. Subtle. I didn’t want just décor or another picture on the wall – I wanted presence.

The Lightbulb Moment: Ik Onkar

Then it hit me.

I used to make beaded, light-up shadow box frames with names on them, and I thought ‘why don’t I create an Ik Onkar?’

Ik Onkar is the first word in the Guru Granth Sahib (our Holy Book). It represents oneness, one Truth. But for me, it carries even more depth. It symbolises the journey from Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the strength of the Khalsa, and the very foundation of Sikhi itself.

That meaning deserved something beautiful, yet understated.

So I channelled my creative side and handmade a piece designed to feel peaceful, grounding and spiritually powerful. The soft illumination adds a calming warmth, not overpowering, just quietly present.

Designed to Be Simple, Yet Powerful

I created it in silver, white and gold, with a customisation option to make it even more personal.

It’s for those who want:

• Minimal Sikh home décor
• A meaningful, faith-inspired gift
• A peaceful reminder of oneness
• Handmade sentiment over mass production

It works beautifully in modern, rustic or cosy interiors, while still carrying deep spiritual meaning.

Because sometimes faith doesn’t need to be loud. It just needs to be felt.

More Than decor

When it lights up in the evening, it changes the room.

It becomes a quiet reminder.

A soft glow of faith.

A symbol of strength and inner peace.

I created it for our home first.

Now, I create it for yours.

Thank You!

Thank you for reading my blog, I hope this resonates with you, as much as it does me.

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Kind regards and Sparkles,

Billie x X x

The post Faith & Home – The meaning behind my Ik Onkar piece appeared first on The Bead Idea | Hand Made Jewellery & Accessories.