Vaisakhi and Khalsa Saajna Divas: the creation of the Khalsa in 1699

Vaisakhi is the harvest festival of Punjab, but for Sikhs it is above all Khalsa Saajna Divas, the day in 1699 when Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji created the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib. It is one of the most important days of the Sikh year, celebrated by Sikhs across the world.

A sword and a question

The Guru called Sikhs from far and wide to Anandpur Sahib for Vaisakhi, and a vast sangat gathered on the hill where Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib now stands. The Guru came out with a drawn sword and asked who would give his head for the faith. A silence fell. Then Daya Ram of Lahore stood up. The Guru took him into a tent and came out with his sword dripping, asking for another. One by one, Dharam Das, Himmat Rai, Mohkam Chand and Sahib Chand came forward, from different castes and corners of India.

The Panj Pyare and the Amrit

The Guru brought all five out, dressed alike, and called them the Panj Pyare, the five beloved ones. He prepared Amrit in an iron bowl, stirring water with a double-edged sword, the khanda, while reciting the banis, and Mata Sahib Kaur Ji added sugar crystals. He gave them Khande di Pahul, named each of them Singh, gave them the five Ks, the articles of faith beginning with kes, the uncut hair, and a code of discipline. Then he knelt before them and asked them to give Amrit to him, joining the Khalsa he had created.

How Vaisakhi is celebrated

Sikhs mark the day with Akhand Paath, Nagar Kirtans led by five Singhs dressed as the Panj Pyare, Amrit Sanchar ceremonies, kirtan and langar. The Nishan Sahib at many gurdwaras is taken down, washed and given a new cloth. The largest gatherings are at Anandpur Sahib, at Talwandi Sabo, and at Sri Harmandir Sahib.