lahkumaks

Lakhumaks is a term originating from the Indian subcontinent, particularly associated with the Punjabi language and culture. It broadly refers to a ritual or practice involving the circumambulation of a sacred object, person, or place. This act of walking around something is considered a mark of respect, reverence, and devotion.

The most common context for lakumaks is in religious ceremonies. In Hinduism, for instance, devotees perform lakumaks around idols of deities, temples, or sacred trees like the banyan. This is done during pujas (worship rituals) and other religious gatherings. Similarly, in Sikhism, followers often perform lakumaks around the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture, during kirtan (devotional singing) sessions and other religious ceremonies.

The act of lakumaks is not merely a physical movement but is imbued with spiritual significance. It symbolizes the devotee's acknowledgment of the sanctity and power of the object or entity being circumambulated, encompassing it within their devotion. The direction of circumambulation is often clockwise, symbolizing the continuous flow of divine energy and auspiciousness. The number of times one performs lakumaks can also hold specific meaning, depending on the ritual and the tradition.