Posted:
Vaisakhi is the harvest festival celebrated in the Sikh/Punjabi Community. The celebrations of this festival symbolizes the new beginnings, the new season of prosperity. It also celebrates the founding of the Sikh Community known as Khalsa and is usually celebrated on 13th of April each year but once every 36 years, it is celebrated on the 14th of April.
In 1699, on this day, Guru Gobind Singh had called Sikhs from across India to Anandpur Sahib. At this gathering, all Sikhs were asked to uphold their faith. He then held up his sword and asked whether anyone was prepared to give their life for their faith. There was no reply, after sometime a Sikh man came forward agreeing to give up his life for his religion. Guru Gobind Singh took him to a nearby tent and returned alone with his sword covered in blood. This was repeated until five Sikh men had agreed to give up their life for their faith. Upon the 5th time, Guru Gobind Singh returned with all five men dressed in blue and declared them as the Panj Pyare, the five Beloved Ones.
These Panj Pyare were baptized in a ceremony called Pahul. Amrit (holy water) was sprinkled on each of the Panj Pyare and after this, Guru Gobind Singh knelt down on his knees before the Panj Pyare and asked them to baptize him too. He then announced that the Panj Pyare would symbolize him.
"Where there are Panj Pyare, there am I. When the Five meet, they are the holiest of the holy."
"Where there are Panj Pyare, there am I. When the Five meet, they are the holiest of the holy."
The Panj Pyare were the first followers of the Sikh Community called the Khalsa. The Khalsa was given a unique identiy with 5 distinctive symbols of purity and courage known as the Five Ks. All Sikh men belonging to the Khalsa were given the surname of Singh while the women used Kaur as their surname. The Sikhs of this new community were encouraged to dedicate their lives to serving others and being just in everything they do.
Vaisakhi also calls for the celebration of the new Harvest season. It holds great importance for the farmers living in rural areas and is a day where they celebrate the outcome of their 6-8 months of hard labour. Many farmers use this day as an opportunity to thank The Almighty for the harvest and pray for further prosperity.
Vaisakhi is celebrated in a very grand manner across Punjab and in foreign countries as well. The typical celebrations in Punjab and other parts of India begins with Sikhs visiting the Gurdwaras and listening to the religious songs(Gurbani). After this, sweet Prasad and lunch is served by volunteers.
Processions take to the streets with Panj Pyare leading the procession. Bands are present playing religious tunes whilst participating in the procession. From children to adults, all enthusiastically participate in these celebrations.
In family homes, the Punjabi families typically prepare sweet dishes with the new grains to signify the harvest of new crops as well as celebrating prosperity.
Vaisakhi is celebrated by Sikh communities living outside of India too. In the USA and Canada, a parade take place where the Sikh Community come together to do "seva" which is selfless service which typically includes giving out free food and completing any labour voluntarily. In the UK, large groups of Sikhs are found in Birmingham and towards the end of April, the Nagar Kirtan takes place which is a procession lead by Panj Pyare and involves singing of holy hymns. People are generally seen to wear orange and blue outfits.
On this special day of Vaisakhi, the Crazy Creatives would like to wish each and every member on IF a happy Vaisakhi.
Credits:
18shabbo
appy_indy-KD
Angel-Jot.
comment:
p_commentcount