‘Baisakhi’ (aka ‘Vaisakhi’) is an auspicious Punjabi Festival.
The Festival got its name from the month of ‘Vaisakh,’ celebrated after the successful harvesting of Rabi crop.
This is a time for the farmers of Punjab to give thanks for their good harvest, and hence holds great significance for Punjabis all over the world.
For Sikhs, Baisakhi is a celebration symbolised by enjoying the fruit of their hard work on the agricultural field. It is also a special religious day for our community.
The story behind the Festival is of courage, with social and religious significance.
History of Courage
On Baisakhi Day in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh asked Sikhs from all over India to assemble in the city of Anandpur Sahib.
During this gathering, he called upon the people to affirm their faith to preserve the Sikh religion. Guru Gobind then lifted his sword and asked those prepared to give their life for his faith to come forward.
After much contemplation, one Sikh stepped forward and followed the Guru into a marquee. Shortly thereafter, the Guru reappeared alone with his sword covered in blood, and asked for a second volunteer.
Another Sikh stepped forward and again the Guru took him into the marquee, re-appeared alone with his sword covered with blood. This was repeated until five Sikhs had offered their heads to the Guru.
Finally, the Guru emerged from the tent with all five men dressed piously in blue.
Guru Gobind called the five Sikhs ‘Panj Pyare,’ the five beloved ones.
The five men were then baptised in a unique ceremony called ‘Pahul.’
Guru Gobind prepared amrit (holy water) in a bowl, using a short steel sword, as Mata Sundri, his wife, added patashas (sugar crystals).
After completing prayers, Guru Gobind sprinkled the amrit on each of the Panj Pyare. He then knelt before the five and asked them to baptise him as well. The Guru proclaimed that the Panj Pyare would become the embodiment of the Guru himself.
The Khalsa
The Panj Pyare were the first members of the new Sikh community called the Khalsa. Guru Gobind gave the Khalsa a unique identity with five distinctive symbols of purity and courage, known today as the ‘Five Ks’.
The Guru gave all the Khalsa men the surname of Singh (lion) as a reminder to be courageous. Women took on the surname Kaur (princess) to emphasise dignity.
With the distinct Khalsa identity, Guru Gobind Singh gave all Sikhs an opportunity to lead lives of courage, sacrifice, and equality and to dedicate themselves to the service of others and the pursuit of justice.
This is why Sikhs visit Gurdwaras (Sikh temples) and listen to kirtans (religious songs) and discourses. After the prayer, kada prasad (sweetened semolina) is served to the congregation. The function ends with langar, the community lunch served by volunteers.
Universal celebration
Although Baisakhi has a special significance to Sikhs, it is celebrated by all communities in India with folk dances, music and a feeling of camaraderie.
Baisakhi is also considered auspicious for new ventures and business transactions. This festival, which normally falls April 13 or 14, holds special significance to Hindus as the beginning of a New Year.
The Hindus take a dip at the Ganges on this day, as they believe that thousands of years ago, Goddess Ganges descended to the earth on this day.
It was also on this day in 1875 that Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj. The pilgrimage to Badrinath Shrine in the Himalayas also commences from this day.
Buddhists mark this as the ‘Day of Enlightenment’ of their leader Gautama Buddha.
Astrologically, this day marks the entry of Sun into the first sign of the Zodiac (Aries or Mesha Rashi) which is why, this Festival is also known as ‘Mesha Sankranti.’
We are fortunate to live in a country that values cultural and ethnic diversity.
We are proud of the many cultures that make New Zealand a multicultural and magical place to live.
I take this opportunity to wish you a colourful Baisakhi.
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi is a Member of Parliament on National List.
