The Sikh New Year festival Vaisakhi, is one of the most important celebrations for the Sikh community. Usually falling on April 13 or 14, the religious festival commemorates the founding of Sikhism as a communal faith in 1699 and since then, has been celebrated by all Sikhs in Singapore and the rest of the world.
 

History

Vaisakhi’s roots stretch to ancient times where it was first celebrated as an important harvest festival in Punjab before attaining a religious dimension. Sikh holy scriptures tell of how in 1699, the tenth Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh, picked Vaisakhi as the occasion to transform the Sikh people into a family of soldier saints, also known as the Khalsa Panth.

It is said that in front of thousands at Anandpur Sahib, a sacred city in Punjab, Guru Gobind Singh emerged from a tent brandishing a large sword. He challenged any Sikh who was brave enough to give up his life to enter the tent. A short while after the first volunteer entered, Guru Gobind Singh emerged alone with his sword covered in blood. He then called for another volunteer and repeated the same action four times until all five volunteers disappeared into the tent. This sight filled the crowd with panic and anxiety but their fears were soon replaced with bliss when the five volunteers emerged from the tent wearing turbans with the Guru.

The five brave volunteers became known as the Panj Piare, or ‘Beloved Five’, and were then baptised by the Guru with the sprinkling of Amrit (‘immortalising nectar’ or holy water) and prayers. This ritual led to the basis of the Sikh baptism ceremony and is practiced to this day.

With the Khalsa established, all Sikh men became known as Singh meaning “lion” and all women, Kaur meaning “princess”. Guru Gobind Singh also introduced the five “K”s – kesh or “uncut hair”, kangha or “wooden comb”, karra or “steel bracelet”, kirpan or “sword” and “kachera” or short trouser undergarment.
 

Celebrations

Vaisakhi in Singapore is celebrated in much the same way as it is around the world. Gudwaras (Sikh temples) are decorated and visited by devotees who attend the service that begins at dawn and lasts all morning. The worship session begins with the reading of poems, which reminds devotees of the first Vaisakhi and allows them to reflect on its various symbolisms.

A common ritual during the celebration is also the renewal process of the Nishan Sahib (the Sikh flag) which flies atop each gurdwara. This service is held outside the temple, led by five Sikh devotees, who represent the first five volunteers who had offered to sacrifice their heads to Guru Gobind Singh. The service consists of the chola or “flag” being taken down, the flagpole washed in yoghurt symbolising purity, and a new flag re-hoisted. At most gurdwaras, the Amrit or baptism ceremony is also held on this day, followed by performances of various folk dances like the Bhangra, the national dance of the Sikhs, which symbolises the joy of a bountiful harvest and prosperity.