KHALSA PANTH

 THE INITIATION OF KHALSA PANTH

"THOSE WHO WORSHIP AND ADORE LORD THROUGH GURU'S WORD, FORGETS ALL THEIR PAIN AND SUFFERING"

-GURU GOBIND SINGH JI

The word KHALSA meaning 'pure' is the name given by the tenth guru of the Sikh Religion, Guru Gobind Singh Ji to all the Sikhs who have been baptised by taking Amrit in a ceremony called AMRIT SANCHAR. The first ceremony of Amrit Sanchar was initiated on 30th March, 1699 at Anandpur Sahib, Punjab. The initiation of Khalsa Panth is today named as the festival of 'VAISAKHI'. 

SOURCE: amarujala.com

With the establishment of Khalsa, Guru Gobind Singh Ji redefined the concept of authority within the Sikh community, introduced a new initiation ceremony and provided the community with the religious and political vision. Every Sikh who underwent this ceremony became a member of the Khalsa and was assigned the name of SINGH and every Sikh women who underwent this ceremony was assigned the name of KAUR. 

The Amrit Sanchar ceremony is done in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the 5 Khalsa Sikhs. There are some rules to be followed by the baptised, which are as: 

1. You cannot remove any hair from any part of your body

2. No use of tobacco, alcohol and non vegetarian items.

3. You are required to wear the 5 kakkars all the time and follow the code of conduct

4. You shall not commit adultery.

(Source: sikhs.org)

THE VAISAKHI

The Vaisakhi is the historical and religious festival of Sikh Religion. It is celebrated on 13th April and marks the New Year for the Sikh religion. It is also considered to be the spring harvest festival for the Indians. 

The story behind the celebration of Vaisakhi is that , it is one of the three Hindu Festivals identified by Guru Amar Das Ji, the 3rd Guru of the Sikh Religion to be celebrated by the Sikh. 

The story of Baisakhi Festival began with the martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru who was publicly beheaded by the Aurungzeb, the Mughal ruler. Aurungzeb wanted to spread Islam in India and Guru Tegh Bahadur stood up for the rights of Hindus and Sikhs and the Mughals therefore saw him as a threat. After the death of Guru Teg Bahadur, his son, Guru Gobind Singh became the next Guru of the Sikhs. In 1699 the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh, chose Vaisakhi as the occasion to transform the Sikhs into a family of soldier saints, known as the Khalsa Panth. Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa in front of thousands at Anandpur Sahib. During the Vaisakhi festival Guru Gobind Singh came out of a tent carrying a sword. He challenged any Sikh who was prepared to give his life to come into the tent. The Guru returned alone with his sword covered in blood. He then requested another volunteer and repeated the same action four times until five men disappeared into the tent. The crowd was very concerned until they saw five men return wearing turbans with the Guru. (Source: ndtv.com)

Source: dgreetings.com

So, Vaisakhi is celebrated to mark the birth of Khalsa panth not only in India but across the world. People dance, sing and celebrate this festival with great pomp and show. The festival is marked with nagar kirtan processions: processions through the streets (nagar means "town") which form an important part of Sikh culture and religious celebrations.

Kirtan is a term meaning the singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book. Celebrations always include music, singing and chanting scriptures and hymns. The processions are led by traditionally dressed Panj Piaras. The Guru Granth Sahib will be carried in the procession in a place of honour. (Source: bbc.co.uk)