Happy Vaisakhi (also Vesak and Vishu): The Birth of the Khalsa – April 2014

Followers of the Sikh religion, as well as Indian Punjabis (Hindus and Sikhs) all over the world celebrate Vaisakhi (also referred to as Baisakhi) on a yearly basis. For many Punjabis, Vaisakhi is a traditional harvest celebration based out of the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana, and more importantly known for the founding of the Khalsa. The Khalsa is the body of all Sikhs represented by the 5 (panch) holy ones, also called the Guru Panth.

In Sikhism and for Sikhs, Vaisakhi is one of most important and celebrated festivals in the Sikh calendar and commemorates the beginning of the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib in the year 1699. This was done by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji (the 10th Sikhism Guru) where the initial Sikhs were baptized using amrit. Therefore, Indian Punjabis and Sikhs reflect on the values taught by Sikh Gurus and celebrate the Khalsa’s birth.

In 1762, Ahmed Shah Abdali’s (a Muslim Moghul) whose sole purpose was to destroy the entire Sikh nation and devotees, declared ‘Islamic Jihad’ against the Sikhs. This caused all Muslims in the Punjab relion to rally under this Jihad slogan. The Sikhs were surrounded near the village Kup in Ludhiana District. Historians and traditionalists mention that approximately 20,000+ Sikhs were killed in a single day. This event is known in the history of the Sikhs as “Ghallughara” (Bloody Sikh Genocide). Moghul Ahmed Shah Abdali then thought that he had crushed the entire Sikh nation, but was greatly disillusioned when after a few months heard that the Sikhs in large number were celebrating Vaisakhi in the Punjab city of Amritsar. In due course of time Vaisakhi began to remind every Sikh of his/her cultural and religious Sikh heritage. On Vaisakhi day many Sikhs (as well as many Hindus that follow Guru Gobind Singh ji) assembled at Amritsar and decided their problems relating to politics and religion. This tradition is still followed by some groups on Vaisakhi.

History tells another story that in 1567, Guru Ram Das committed Vaisakhi as one of the specialist days, when all Sikhs would assemble to seek the blessings from Guru at Goindwal. Many Sikhs believe that on the day of Vaisakhi, martyred by the barbaric acts of the Muslim rulers. According to the legend, he was dumped into boiling oil, by the Muslim rulers.

Although, Vaisakhi is mostly celebrated by Sikhs, many Hindus celebrate Vaisakhi for other reasons. For Hindus in various Indian states, it is the start of the New Year. Some Hindus gather along the sacred Ganges River for ritual baths. The action is centered in some parts of North India, but mainly in South Indian states like Tamil Nadu. Hindus plant poles (wrapped in flags of gold-embroidered silk) in front of their homes, and hang pots of brass, copper or silver on top. In Kerala, the festival is called ‘Vishu’. It includes fireworks, shopping for new clothes and interesting displays called ‘Vishu Kani’. These are arrangements of flowers, grains, fruits, cloth, gold, and money are viewed early in the morning, to ensure a year of prosperity.

Buddhists also celebrate their own variation of Vaisakhi, often called as Vesak or Wesak. This day for them is to commemorate the birth, awakening and enlightened passing of Sri Lord Buddha Gautama who was born as prince Siddhartha.

The Chakra News team would like to wish everyone an auspicious and Happy Vaisakhi and hope it continues to be celebrated with great enthusiasm and remembrance.