Gurdwara

Prayer Hall (Diwan)

Kirtan, Ardas, Karah Parshad

Langar

Festivals
   Gurpurbs
   Melas
   Vaisakhi
   Diwali


Sikhism index

WORSHIP AND CELEBRATION

Vaisakhi

Vaisakhi is celebrated because:

• Guru Gobind Singh created the Khalsa on Vaisakhi in 1699 before joining it.

What happened was: Guru Gobind Rai asked for a volunteer who was willing to die for their religion. He took the person into a tent and then emerged with a bloody sword. He then asked for four more volunteers. People did not know what to think but then he emerged with the 5 Sikhs dressed in the panj kakke (5 Ks) - kach (shorts), kirpan (sword), kesh (uncut hair), kanga (comb), and kara (bracelet). He called these his panj piyare (five beloved ones), and asked them to give him amrit (initiation). When he had received amrit he changed his name from Guru Gobind Rai to Guru Gobind Singh.

An artist’s image of Guru Gobind Rai asking for a volunteer

In addition to Nagar keertan (street procession) and Akhand paath (continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib), Vaisakhi is celebrated by:

• Changing of the Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag). The flagpole is taken down, washed and a new flag is fitted.
• Amrit (initiation) ceremony is offered.
• Competitions in sports like wrestling, music and bhangra.