Sect

A sect as used in an Indian/Punjabi context refers to an organized group of people so recognised because of their traditions, rituals, cultural habits or behaviour. A sect may be sub-division of a Caste. It is also used to refer to religious sub-groups within the main religions. Any organization that breaks away from a larger one to follow a different set of rules and principles may also be referred to as a 'sect'. The term is sometimes used in a malicious way and would suggest the broken-off group was following a more negative path than the original.

• See Wikipedia article on Sect for more information