Vaisakhi

Vaisakhi usually falls on April 13th, but once every thirty-six years falls on April 14th, because it is determined by the solar calendar. The day marks the birth of the Khalsa in 1699 by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The sakhi states that Guru Gobind Singh Ji asked for the head of a volunteer. The sangat was shocked at such a request from the guru. One young sikh volunteered. After GuruJi re-appeared alone, he asked for the head of another, followed by another, until 5 sikhs had volunteered. The crowd was shocked and believed that Guru Ji had just killed 5 young men. He then brought these sikhs out unharmed, dressed in uniform, with turbans donned with other sikh symbols that have since become the symbols of the sikh identity. These Sikhs were called the Panj Pyaare, and so started the Khalsa Panth. This glorious day in sikh history is celebrated by sikhs across the globe in many different countries with parades, gatherings, and kirtan darbars.