February 3, 2010
Source: CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/02/03/india.new.religion/
In an event considered rare, one of India's low-caste communities has declared its own distinct religion.
Followers of a 14-century spiritual figure, Guru Ravidass, will now have their own holy scriptures, a flag and a greeting, sect officials said.
The new holy book compiles Guru Ravidass' writings, which until now were predominantly found in sacred Sikh scriptures that the sect placed in its houses of worship.
The declaration was made by a key Ravidass monastery whose priest's killing in May last year in Vienna, Austria sparked furious protests in the Sikh heartland of Punjab.