Happy Vaisakhi!!

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Let me first begin by saying Happy Vaisakhi to you all, may Waheguru (God) bless you and your family on this prosperous day!

Vaisakhi is the festival which celebrates the founding of the Sikh community known as the Khalsa. It is celebrated on April 14 each year. On Vaisakhi day in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh summoned Sikhs from all over India to the city of Anandpur Sahib. At this gathering, the Guru called upon Sikhs to uphold their faith and preserve the Sikh religion. Guru Gobind Singh then lifted his sword and asked that anyone prepared to give his life for his faith to come forward. There was a big silence, but the Guru went on repeating his demand. One Sikh finally came forward and followed the Guru into a tent. Shortly after, the Guru reappeared alone with his sword covered in blood, and asked for a second volunteer. Another Sikh stepped forward and again the Guru took him into the tent, and re-appeared alone with his sword covered with blood. This was repeated until five Sikhs had offered their heads for the Guru. Finally, the Guru emerged from the tent with all five men dressed piously in blue. Guru Gobind Singh called the five Sikhs the Panj Pyare, the Five Beloved Ones.           

The Panj Pyare were then baptized in a unique ceremony called pahul. Guru Gobind Singh prepared amrit (holy water) in a bowl using a short steel sword. Then the Guru's wife, Mata Sundri, added patashas (sugar crystals) into the amrit. After completing prayers, Guru Gobind Singh sprinkled the amrit on each of the Panj Pyare. The Guru then knelt before the five and asked them to baptize him as well. Here is an image below of the Panj Pyare and Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

We celebrate this prosperous day by going to the Gurdwara (Sikh temple) in which we pray, do seva and unite as a community to celebrate the birth of the Khalsa. We also normally do something called Nagar Kirtan which involves the leading of the Panj Pyare (Five beloved ones) followed by the Guru Granth Sahib (Holy scriptures) which is normally on a float, followed by the Sangat (Sikh community) where we would walk, singing holy hymns as a collective. Nagar Kirtan is done on a yearly basis again as part of the celebrations for this beautiful day.

May i once again wish you all a very Happy Vaisakhi and may Waheguru Ji bless you all.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Vikramjit Singh Dosanjh