Celebrating Vaisakhi
In our latest article, Tamana Kaur Khurana Audit & Accounts Graduates Trainee on the significance of the Vaisakhi Festival, celebrated by the Sikh community today.
Vaisakhi, celebrated annually on 14th April, is one of the most significant festivals for Sikhs, marking the birth of the Khalsa in 1699. This community of initiated Sikhs was founded by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Sikh Guru.
The history:
In 1699, after the martyrdom of his father, the 9th Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji, his son Gobind Rai called for a special gathering of people from all walks of life/ backgrounds. During this deeply spiritual and transformative moment, the Guru posed a powerful question to those assembled, asking if anyone among them would be willing to offer their head in a true act of devotion and sacrifice.
His words, though unexpected, were meant to awaken a deep sense of courage and commitment to righteousness. The Guru knew that the darkness in the world could only be healed by pure people whose faith in God was unbreakable. Five men – Daya Ram, Dharam Daas, Himmat Rai, Mohkam Chand, and Sahib Chand bravely stepped forward one by one, and each was taken into a tent.
To everyone’s surprise, the five men emerged unharmed but this time, they were introduced as: Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Himmat Singh, Bhai Mohkam Singh and Bhai Sahib Singh. These five became the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones), the first members of the Khalsa. This marked the beginning of the Amrit Sanchaar ceremony (baptism). The five men were blessed with Amrit (sacred water) and Guru Gobind Singh Ji himself was baptised by them, taking on the name "Gobind Singh" (previously Gobind Rai).
On this day all Sikh women were given the surname Kaur (Princess), and all Sikh men were given the surname Singh (Lion), symbolising equality and bravery. Those who drank the Amrit (sacred water) would become baptised Sikhs. The Panj Pyare symbolised compassion (Daya), courageous spirit (Himmat), strong leader (Mohkam), masterful (Sahib) and righteous living (Dharam). Vaisakhi not only commemorates the birth of the Khalsa but also represents these five values that Guru Gobind Singh Ji instilled in Sikhs on this historic day.
Vaisakhi today:
Today, Vaisakhi is celebrated with a grand procession known as Nagar Kirtan. Led by the Panj Pyare, this procession travels through the streets, singing Shabads (divine hymns) and carrying the Guru Granth Sahib Ji (eternal Guru) on a float. The procession concludes at the Gurdwara, where Sikhs gather to pray, express gratitude, and reflect on the values of the Khalsa. Many Sikhs also choose this day to undergo baptism.
In the days leading up to Vaisakhi, Gurdwaras are specially decorated, and the atmosphere is filled with devotion, joy, and celebration.
If you want to see this, you are always welcome to visit a Gurdwara, as it is open to people of all religions and backgrounds. The Gurdwara also offers Langar – free vegetarian meals – to everyone, regardless of faith, gender, age, or social status. Langar is served at every Gurdwara around the world.