Sikh History Day 2025

Apply here for the 2025 Sikh History Day Competition

What is Sikh History Day?

Sikh History Day (SHD) is an annual contest that empowers students to explore the rich and vibrant Sikh history. Through this initiative, we adapt the National History Day competition framework to encourage young Sikhs to delve into their heritage, research Sikh-specific topics, and showcase their findings.

Sikh History Day motivates students to research, reflect, and present their work in ways that align with the broader National History Day theme. It's a unique opportunity to connect with your roots, share your knowledge, and compete in a dynamic and meaningful competition.

How It Works

Sikh History Day regional competitions will take place across these locations:

209 Region
Bakersfield
Bay Area
Fresno
Sacramento

Winners from these regional contests will advance to the statewide Sikh History Day finals. Since Sikh History Day adheres to the National History Day requirements and specifications, Sikh History Day participants can seamlessly submit their projects to county-level and state-level National History Day competitions, taking their work to even greater heights.

The 2025 theme is Rights & Responsibilities in History

Need inspiration?

Not sure where to start? Click here for topic ideas and resources to kickstart your research journey!

There are three different categories to participate in: Exhibit, Documentary, and Paper.
Click Here to read the Contest Rule Book.

What are the three categories?

1. EXHIBIT

A visual representation of your research and interpretation of your topic’s significance in history.

The analysis and interpretation of your topic must be clear and evident to the viewer.
Labels and captions should be used creatively with visual images and objects to enhance the message of your exhibit.
Students participating in this category often use a trifold poster board to create their project, though the category is not limited to the trifold poster board
Exhibit Project Checklist
Exhibit Competition Rubric

2. DOCUMENTARY

Reflect your ability to use audiovisual equipment to communicate your topic’s significance.

help you develop skills in using photographs, film, video, audio, computers, and graphic presentations.
The analysis and interpretation of your topic must be clear and evident to the viewer.
Your presentation should include primary source materials and also must be an original production.
To produce a documentary, you must have access to equipment and be able to operate it.
Documentary Project Checklist
Documentary Competition Rubric

3. PAPER

A paper is the traditional form of presenting historical research.

Various types of creative writing (for example, fictional diaries, poems, etc.) are permitted, but must conform to all general and category rules.
The analysis and interpretation of your topic must be clear and evident to the viewer.
Your paper should be grammatically correct and well written.
Paper Project Checklist
Paper Competition Rubric