What is Vaisakhi? Remembering the Birth of the Khalsa

Vaisakhi is celebrated every year in April, where Sikhs come together in remembrance of the founding of the Khalsa Panth in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh in addition to its significance in regards to harvest. 

Before 1699, Sikhs were not easily recognized in Indian society, causing problems in identification and validation of the faith especially in times of religious persecution. Knowing this, in 1699, Guru Gobind Rai Ji had sent letters to Sikhs across India with instructions to meet at Anandpur Sahib(. ) on the first day of the month of Vaisakh. 

Large crowds of Sikhs made the journey to Anandpur Sahib, eager to hear from their Guru. Guru Gobind Rai Ji made his way to the stage, unsheathing his sword as asking a simple question- “Who is willing to give their life for their Guru?”. The crowd was silent and stunned, much like many followers of faith would be today-wondering what their leader was asking of them. 

After asking three times, a brave follower stood and lovingly agreed to make the sacrifice and entered behind the stage- later joined by four other followers. As the Guru came back out, the sword was covered in blood, sparking panic and fear amongst the crowd. He announced that these five followers had planted the seed of Sikhi, each embodying a key quality; Daya: compassion, Dharam: Righteousness, Himmat: Courage, Mokham: Determination, Sahib: Ruler. 

Fresh water was collected and placed into a large iron bowl and Guru Gobind Rai Ji placed a Khanda, double edged sword, into the bowl while reading five prayers. Mata Jito Ji, the wife of Guru Gobind Rai Ji, placed sweet sugar crystals into the water; the prayers and crystal transformed the water into Amrit: the drink of immortality. 

Pouring water into the mouths of the sacrificed followers while saying “Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh”, meaning The Khalsa belongs to the One, All Victory belongs to the One, the Guru brought the followers awake-with them reciting the same words.

The Panj Pyaare, the five beloveds, drank the amrit five times and the Guru splashed the amrit into their eyes five times before pouring the amrit five times on their heads, all whilst saying “Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh”.

The Guru then blessed them with 5 items to be kept on them at all times:

• Kes: uncut hair from head to toe-hair being seen as a blessing

• Kanga: a wooden comb; signifying a clean body and mind

• Kara: iron bangle; reminder not to use hands to do negative actions

• Kirpan: a sword; to protect themselves and others

• Kachera: a tied undergarment; to signify self control over one’s thoughts and actions

With this, the Panj Pyaare had transformed into the Khalsa-pure ones. The Guru then got down on one knee and asked for the gift of the Amrit, becoming the 6th member of the Khalsa. On that day over 20,000 Sikhs were blessed and joined the Khalsa. All males were blessed with the surname “Singh” and all females were blessed with the surname “Kaur”. These were special titles as caste had been determined by surname, and blessing everyone with royal surnames had dismantled this system and made everyone equal in the Khalsa family. 

From this day, the Khalsa would live to fight for justice and freedom for all, using their hands to serve all of mankind and their mouths to recite their Guru’s prayers. They embodied love and stood firm against oppression.

In the recognition of this day, we must recognize the current struggles of oppressed peoples and aid in spreading awareness of current world events and injustice in our world, and take action to help and protect those in our community.