Guru Gobind Singh & the Khalsa

The Birth of a Community of Saints and Soldiers

The Vaisakhi Gathering, 1699

Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, founded the Khalsa (Servants of God) at the Vaisakhi gathering in 1699 at Keshgarh Sahib, near Anandpur.
On that day, he asked a volunteer from the congregation who was willing to lay down his life for the cause. One by one, Daya Singh, Dharam Singh, Himmat Singh, and Sahib Singh stepped forward.
When the Guru emerged from his tent alone, the crowd was anxious until the five men—the Panj Pyare, or the five beloved ones—appeared.

Initiation into the Khalsa

Guru Gobind Singh poured water from a bowl over the five in a simple initiation ceremony. He stirred the water with a short steel sword, symbolising the need for strength.
Mata Sundri, the Guru’s wife, added sugar crystals to the water, representing the balance of sweetness and strength. After prayers, the Guru sprinkled the amrit over the five.
They became the first members of a community called the Khalsa, meaning “pure,” devoted to service and justice for all.

The Symbols of the Khalsa & Equality

The Panj Pyare were asked to wear the Five Ks, the five distinctive symbols of the Khalsa identity.
To end social divisions, Guru Gobind Singh removed their surnames, replacing them with Singh for men, meaning “lion,” and Kaur for women, meaning “princess,”
emphasizing dignity, equality, and courage.

In a powerful act of humility, the Guru knelt before the Panj Pyare and requested them to initiate him, establishing the Khalsa as a community where master and disciple are equal.

A Legacy of Courage and Devotion

The founding of the Khalsa remains a defining moment in Sikh history. It created a community of saint-soldiers who embody courage, equality, and service—values that continue to inspire Sikhs worldwide.