Festivals- Vaisakhi
The new year for the Sikh community falls on the 13th day of April. It represents a time of rebirth, renewal, equality and strength.
It was on the day of the Vaisakhi in 1699 at Anandpur Sahib that the 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh asked for a human head from a gathering of over 100,000. Only 5 individuals passed the test and these 5 were called the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved).
This completed the 230 year evolution of the Sikh religion and layed the foundations for the Khalsa Panth (Sikh Salvation Army). Also, after this event the 10th master, Guru Gobind Singh Ji said that there would be no more physical human Gurus after him and that the seat of Guruship would be passed onto the Word Guru, the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. This is the Sikh holy scripture and today is treated like a living emperor in Gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship).
* Nagar Kirtan
The festival is marked with nagar kirtan processions street processions which form an important part of Sikh culture and religious celebrations involving singing and chanting scriptures and hymns.
The processions are led by traditionally dressed panj piaras (the panj piaras were The Five Beloved Ones who were the first members of the Sikh Khalsa).
The Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book, will be carried in the procession in a place of honour.
* History of Vaisakhi
Vaisakhi, also spelled Baisakhi is a long established harvest festival in the Punjab. It had been celebrated long before it gained an added dimension for Sikhs.
In 1699 the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh, chose Vaisakhi as the occasion to transform the Sikhs into a family of soldier saints, known as the Khalsa Panth.
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