Religions for Peace Wishes All a Blessed Vaisakhi
The Sikh festival of Vaisakhi commemorates the anniversary of the birth of the Khalsa, the community of initiated Sikhs. In 1699 Guru Gobind Singh ji, the tenth Sikh Guru created the Khalsa and gave Sikhs a distinctive physical and spiritual identity. The Khalsa embodies a commitment to lead a God-conscious life, to serve creation, to stand up against injustice and to protect the weak and oppressed. The Khalsa was established to set free the human spirit, to bring about a rebirth through a spiritual re-kindling which would ignite in people’s hearts and minds the virtues of utter humility, compassion, forgiveness, steadfastness, selflessness, altruism, truth, commitment, contentment and love.
Initiated Sikhs who have undergone the initiation ceremony called Amrit Sanchar, commit to living by the Sikh Code of Conduct, to be a saint and be attuned to God at all times as well as a soldier to protect the weak and oppressed. Sikhs are easily identified by the Panj Kakaar (the Five Ks): Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (steel bracelet), Kanga (wooden comb), Kachera (cotton undergarment), Kirpan (sword) and the Dastar (Turban).
Vaisakhi is also a time for joyous celebrations, reflections and resolutions as it coincides with the blossoming and rejuvenation of nature in spring.