Vaisakhi (also spelled Baisakhi) is the festival which celebrates the founding of the Sikh community known as the Khalsa. It is celebrated on April 14 each year. On Vaisakhi day in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh summoned Sikhs from all over India to the city of Anandpur Sahib. At this gathering, the Guru called upon Sikhs to uphold their faith and preserve the Sikh religion. Guru Gobind Singh then lifted his sword and asked that anyone prepared to give his life for his faith to come forward. There was a big silence, but the Guru went on repeating his demand. One Sikh finally came forward and followed the Guru into a tent. Shortly after, 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 tent and reappeared alone with his sword covered with blood. This was repeated until five Sikhs had offered their heads for the Guru. Finally, the Guru emerged from the tent with all five men dressed piously in blue. Guru Gobind Singh called the five Sikhs the Panj Pyare, the Five Beloved Ones.

See: http://www.sikhismguide.org/vaisakhi.shtml

Sikh Diwali Celebration

Remembering Guru Hargobind’s Victory for Truth and Freedom

Objective

To read the Sikh story of Diwali and reflect on how the principles in the story can be applied in our lives.
While the Sikh New Year falls in April, Sikhs also celebrate Diwali in a similar way to Hindus: divas are lit, presents are exchanged, and children enjoy fireworks and bonfires.

However, the Sikh celebration commemorates an important historical event rather than the Hindu story of Rama and Sita.
It marks a time when Sikhs celebrated truth, justice, and freedom.

The Festival Story – Guru Hargobind

In the days of the fifth Guru Arjan, times were difficult for Sikhs living in northern India. The Muslim emperor Jehangir arrested Arjan, who died as a prisoner.
Arjan’s son, Guru Hargobind, took over leadership in 1606. Initially, he maintained friendly relations with the emperor but soon faced suspicion because he had built an army and a fort in Amritsar.
As a result, he was imprisoned at Gwalior Fortress.

Sharing and Compassion

At the same time, fifty-two Hindu princes were held in the same prison. They were malnourished and mistreated, but Guru Hargobind shared his food with them. Sikhs outside the prison protested daily, praying silently for the Guru’s safety.
Eventually, the emperor recognized the Guru’s innocence and ordered his release.

However, Guru Hargobind refused to leave without the fifty-two princes. The emperor set a challenge: only as many princes as could hold onto the Guru’s clothing while passing through the narrow doorway would be freed.

The Cloak of Freedom

Calmly, Guru Hargobind received his special cloak with tassels and instructed each prince to hold a tassel. One by one, all fifty-two princes followed the Guru through the narrow doorway to freedom.
This act of intelligence, courage, and compassion ensured the release of the prisoners.

This event occurred during Diwali, and Sikhs celebrate the festival to honour Guru Hargobind’s victory for truth and freedom.