Vaisakhi is the biggest festival in the Sikh calendar. Vaisakhi is celebrated as the Sikh New Year festival and Sikh community foundation Day on 13 or 14 April each year. The meaning behind celebrating Vaisakhi is rich with symbolism and rituals. Vaisakhi is the day of creation of Sikh religion.

Vaisakhi is also considered as long established harvest festival in Punjab and farmers celebrate, enjoy before beginning the hard work of harvesting. Vaisakhi also has a special meaning, as on this day, tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh ji founded the ‘Khalsa Panth’ at Anandpur Sahib. Guru Gobind Singh Ji taught the lessons that there is one God ‘Waheguru’, which means wonderful lord and God is only our greatest teacher.

On this day in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh ji gathered Sikhs from all over the India at Anandpur Sahib. Guru Ji addressed the gathering by preserving the Sikh Religion. Guru ji asked the thousands to come forward and give life for his faith. On Guru Ji’s repeated demand one Sikh came forward and followed the Guru Ji into a tent. When Guru Ji reappeared, his sword was full of blood and asked for a second volunteer. Guru Ji had repeated till they got five Sikhs who offered their heads for the Guru. At the end, Guru ji came out with all five Sikhs dressed piously. All others were shocked to see them alive as they thought to be killed by Guru ji. Guru Ji then baptized the five Sikhs in a new and unique ceremony called pahul (Amrit a holy water).

These five courageous men become famous as ‘Panj Piyare’. They were the first members of Khalsa Panth and give an example to live courage, sacrifice, and equality lives to all Sikhs. The five Sikhs were:

1. Bhai Daya Singh
2. Bhai Dharam Singh
3. Bhai Mukham Singh
4. Bhai Himmat Singh
5. Bhai Sahib Singh

The unshorn hair, beard and turban are the distinct identity bounded by Guru Gobind Ji at the time of Khalsa foundation. Khalsa – purity of character, thoughts, speech, deeds. The baptized Sikhs receives the spirit of courage and strength to sacrifice.

How Vaisakhi is celebrated?

In all Gurudwaras, whole Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Sikh scripture) is read continuously over a period of three days. Many Sikh men, women and even children choose to have Amrit (Sikh term for holy water) and become part of the Khalsa brotherhood. This makes special significance for Sikhs and various traditional performances are the highlights of the day. People, irrespective of their religion gathered at Gurudwaras and pray the God with Shabad Kirtan. Vaisakhi Melas are also held at many places in India and worldwide. Vaisakhi Mela of Anandpur Sahib is the main attraction among the other celebrations. Each year lakhs of devotees from all over the country pay their homage on the occasion of Vaisakhi at Anandpur Sahib.

Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan

One or two day before the Vaisakhi, Nagar Kirtan processions are carried through the streets at different places. Nagar Kirtan is considered as an important part of Sikh culture and religious celebrations. Nagar Kirtan celebrations are performed in terms of singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, a holy book of Sikhs. Nagar Kirtan is attended by thousands of people.

Vaisakhi has great importance for the Sikhs as the foundation day of Khalsa. As a Sikh, we must believe in love and equality of mankind. We must believe in our Waheguru and never forget the lessons of Nam Japna, Kirt Karna and Vand Chhakna, which means Pray, Work and Give.

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