Khalsa Sajna Diwas (Vaisakhi) — The Immortal Festival of Sikh History

Vaisakhi is regarded as the most sacred and revolutionary day in Sikh history. On the Vaisakhi day of 1699 CE (Samvat 1756), Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji established the Khalsa Panth at Sri Anandpur Sahib. This event marked the beginning of a new era in the history of the Sikh nation, bestowing upon the Sikhs a new identity, new spirit, and new consciousness.

Historical Background of the Creation of the Khalsa

Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji, the Tenth Nanak, was born in 1666 CE at Patna Sahib. From a young age, he displayed extraordinary courage, spiritual wisdom, and a deep commitment to justice. He witnessed the oppression and tyranny faced by the common people, particularly by the Mughal rulers. His father, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, had sacrificed his life in 1675 CE for the protection of religious freedom, especially for the Kashmiri Pandits. This supreme sacrifice deeply influenced the young Guru and strengthened his resolve to create a community of saint-soldiers who would stand against injustice.

In 1699, Guru Sahib sent invitations to his followers across the region to gather at Sri Anandpur Sahib for the Vaisakhi festival. Thousands of Sikhs assembled, eager to see their Guru. On the morning of Vaisakhi, Guru Sahib appeared before the congregation with a drawn sword and asked for a volunteer willing to sacrifice his head for the faith. The assembly was stunned into silence. One by one, five brave souls came forward: Bhai Daya Ram (a Khatri from Lahore), Bhai Dharam Das (a Jat from Hastinapur), Bhai Himmat Rai (a water-carrier from Jagannath Puri), Bhai Mohkam Chand (a tailor from Dwarka), and Bhai Sahib Chand (a barber from Bidar). Each was taken into a tent, and Guru Sahib emerged alone each time, with the sword dripping blood, testing the faith of the gathering.

After the fifth volunteer, Guru Sahib brought all five out alive, dressed in new clothes. He then prepared Amrit (nectar) in an iron bowl with a double-edged sword, reciting the sacred compositions of the Gurus. He administered the Amrit to the five, who became known as the Panj Pyare (the Five Beloved Ones). Guru Sahib then himself received Amrit from the Panj Pyare, establishing the principle of equality and collective leadership. He gave them the surname 'Singh' (lion) for men and 'Kaur' (princess) for women, and instructed them to keep the Five Ks: Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (comb), Kara (steel bracelet), Kachha (cotton undergarment), and Kirpan (sword).

The creation of the Khalsa was a revolutionary step. It abolished caste distinctions, promoted gender equality, and created a brotherhood of saint-soldiers dedicated to righteousness. Guru Sahib declared that the Khalsa would be both spiritually elevated and physically strong, ready to defend the weak and fight oppression. The Khalsa was to follow the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib and treat all humans as equal.

Vaisakhi thus became a day of rebirth for the Sikh community. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm, including processions, Nagar Kirtans, and the reading of the Guru Granth Sahib. The Khalsa Sajna Diwas reminds Sikhs of their duty to uphold the values of courage, equality, and service. It is a day to renew one's commitment to the Guru's path and to strive for justice and peace for all.