Gurdwara

Prayer Hall (Diwan)

Kirtan, Ardas, Karah Parshad

Langar

Festivals
   Gurpurbs
   Melas
   Baisakhi
   Diwali


Sikhism index

WORSHIP AND CELEBRATION

Baisakhi

Baisakhi is celebrated because:

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

What happened was: Guru Gobind Rai Ji 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) - kachera (shorts), kirpan (sword), kesh (uncut hair), kangha (comb), and kara (bracelet). He called these his panj piare (five beloved ones), and asked them to give him amrit (initiation). When he had received amrit he changed his name from Guru Gobind Rai Ji to Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

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

In addition to Nagar keertan (street procession) and Akhand Path (continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib Ji), Baisakhi 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.