As the fifth-largest religion in the world, one of the core teachings of the Sikh tradition is that all Sikhs must cultivate spirituality while also serving the world around us. Vaisakhi is one of the major festivals of Sikhs and is celebrated with lot of enthusiasm and gaiety in the state of Punjab and all throughout the world where there is a significant Sikh population. History of Vaisakhi Religious persecution under Aurangzeb. The crowd was very concerned until they saw five men return wearing turbans with the Guru. He sprinkled them with Amrit ('immortalising nectar': the Sikh term for holy water) and said prayers. In an iron vessel, the Guru stirred with a sword called Khanda Sahib, the batasha that his wife, Mata Sundari Ji had put into water. Most of the wheat, barley, mustard, and sugarcane are produced in the state. The Guru gave the surname of Singh (Lion) to every Sikh and also took the name for himself. Your email address will not be published. Every one present was surprised to see all five men alive and wearing turbans and saffron-coloured garments. People enjoy holiday foods and special treats such as kada prasad (a type of sweet). The Guru Granth Sahib is carried reverentially into the gurdwara. On Vaisakhi in that year, Guru Gobind Singh created the Khalsa and established much of what is at the core of the Sikh faith today. It had been celebrated long before it gained an added dimension for Sikhs. The residents of the area follow the Nanakshahi calendar. "Vaisakhi celebrates the culmination of a centuries-long journey, from the foundation of the faith in 1469, to ensure equality of all people — regardless of race, gender, faith, nationality, or any other identity," Sumeet Kaur Bal, communications director for Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund, told NBC News. As a gift, all these young men were christened, and they became the head of a new order that came to be known as Khalsa. This was seen as a great step in national integration because society at that time was divided on the basis of religion, caste and social status. The Guru blessed them with a Pahul ceremony. Also frequently spelled Baisakhi, Vaisakhi has origins as a springtime festival in the Punjab region, but since 1699 has taken on a great deal of religious significance for Sikhs. The origins of Vaisakhi stem from a spring harvest festival native to the Punjab region of South Asia, but more importantly marked as a religious significance for Sikhs. Vaisakhi, also spelled Baisakhi, is one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar. This day is also observed as the Thanksgiving day by the farmers whereby the farmers pay their tribute, thanking God for the abundant harvest and also praying for the future prosperity. "The most popular aspect of the Parade is the langar, free food served in the way of the Sikh tradition, in Madison Square Park," says Singh. On the occasion of Vaisakhi, many fairs are also organized both in the rural as well as the urban areas. It was first given to the five volunteers, then drunk by the guru and later distributed amongst the crowd. Real parades additionally convey a duplicate of the Guru Granth Sahib in worship. thanks Admin for this valuable information. The area is full of natural beauty, and that is why the people from all over the country take a trip here. Kirtan is a term meaning the singing of hymns from the Guru Grath Sahib, the Sikh holy book. These fares will give you a true feel of the vibrancy and the energy of the people of the state. These five men were called Panj Piyare or ‘Beloved Five’ by the Guru. The History And Meaning Behind Vaisakhi, Sikh Springtime FestivalThis holiday commemorates the formation of the Khalsa, the body of fully initiated Sikhs. Punjab is the most colorful state in India. Guru Gobind Singh wished to instill courage and strength to sacrifice among his fellow men. Some were farmers, some were shop-keepers, some were half-naked yogis, some were Hindus, some were Muslims, some were singers, some were warriors, some … For the Sikh community, Baisakhi Festival has tremendous religious significance as it was on a Vaisakhi Day in 1699, that Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru laid the foundation of Khalsa Panth-the Order of the Pure Ones. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Your Privacy Controls. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Our Year End Fundraiser just started! All Rights Reserved. The congregation recited verses from scriptures as the Guru performed the sacred ceremony. Guru Gobind Singh wished to instill courage and strength to sacrifice among his fellow-men. It was first given to the five volunteers, then drunk by the guru and later distributed amongst the crowd. This holiday commemorates the formation of the Khalsa, the body of fully initiated Sikhs. Sikhism is a monotheistic faith founded on the principles of equality, freedom of religion, and community service. He started unethical religious taxes against Hindus and their sacred place. Men dance the Bhangra and women dance the Gidda to celebrate this event. Vaisakhi is a very traditional and historic festival and the events associated with its age back to the year 1699. The Guru was pleased to see their dedication and did not take their lives. In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. When thousands of people assembled for Guru’s blessing, Guru Gobind Singh came out of the tent carrying an unsheathed sword. The Sikh religion and the various ritual associated with it are also very attractive. The History And Meaning Behind Vaisakhi, Sikh Springtime Festival Agriculture is the backbone of India and the festival of Vaisakhi is celebrated by the farmers, as it is a festival of Harvest.