The Sikh Vaisakhi

The Sikh Vaisakhi is celebrated every year on April 14.  Vaisakhi has origins as a springtime festival in the Punjab region, but has taken on a great deal of religious significance for Sikhs. On Vaisakhi in 1699, the 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji created the Khalsa in front of thousands at Anandpur Sahib.

During the Vaisakhi festival Guru Gobind Singh Ji emerged from a tent carrying a sword. He challenged any Sikh who was prepared to give his life to come into the tent. The Guru returned alone with his sword covered in blood. He then requested another volunteer and repeated the same action four times until five men disappeared into the tent. The crowd was concerned until they saw five men return wearing turbans with the Guru. These five men became known as the Panj Piare, or 'Beloved Five'.

The Panj Piare were baptised into the Khalsa by the Guru. In turn, they then baptised the Guru into the Khalsa.

A Nagar Kirtan is a Sikh custom involving the processional singing of hymns throughout a community. It is customary during Vaisakhi. Traditionally, the procession is led by the saffron-robed Panj Piare (the five beloved), who are followed by the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the holy Sikh scripture, which is placed on a float.  The road before the procession is cleared. The procession concludes at the Gurdwara.