What is Vaisakhi?
MUSIC
MAX: Hi, Jasdeep.
JASDEEP: Hi, guys, happy Vaisakhi.
MAHDI: What’s Vaisakhi?
JASDEEP: Vaisakhi celebrates the founding of the Khalsa in 1699. That’s the Sikh community.
MAX: What do you do for it?
JASDEEP: Very early in the morning we replace the Nishan Sahib - that’s the Sikh flag. We also decorate the Gurdwara, our holy place, and we pray and eat together.
MAX: I like the sound of that part.
LAUGHTER
JASDEEP: There’s also a procession led by five Sikhs dressed up as the Panj Piare.
MAHDI: Who?
JASDEEP: They were the first five members of the Sikh community. The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, asked his followers if anyone was prepared to die for their religion. Five people volunteered, although they didn’t die. Now we call them the beloved five, or Panj Piare.
Behind them, marchers will make music and sing religious songs, and sometimes there is a float with the Guru Granth Sahib. The whole procession is called the Nagar Kirtan.
MAHDI: It sounds like a fun celebration. Are you going to go to the parade?
JASDEEP: Yeah, definitely. You guys should come.
TOGETHER: Okay.
Vaisakhi, also called Baisakhi, is the festival which celebrates the founding of the Sikh community, the Khalsa, in 1699.
When is Vaisakhi?
Vaisakhi is a spring festival which happens on the 13 or 14 April every year.
In 2024 Vaisakhi takes place on Saturday 13 April.
It was originally a harvest festival in the Punjab until it became Sikhism's most important festival.
The story of Vaisakhi
Image caption, In 1699, Sikhs from all over the Punjab gathered together to celebrate the local harvest festival of Vaisakhi. The tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh, came out of a tent carrying a sword. He asked anyone who was prepared to give their life for their religion to step forward.
1 of 4
How is Vaisakhi celebrated?
On Vaisakhi, Sikhs go to the Gurdwara in the morning for a service.
Afterwards, they have a procession through the streets with lots of singing, chanting and colourful clothes. The procession is called the Nagar Kirtan.
In the evening, Sikhs have a special meal with family and friends.
The meaning behind the Sikh names
Activity: Thinking points
Have a look at the thinking points below. You can discuss them with somebody else if you want to. There are no right or wrong answers so remember to be respectful if somebody else has a different thought or opinion.
- Sikhs say that being ‘God-conscious’ is the best way to help people do ‘selfless service’. What do you think can help people to not be selfish?
- The Panj Piare had lots of courage. What does it mean to have courage? Why is it important to stand up for what is right, even when it might be difficult or scary?
- The Gurus teach that God made every human equally important. Why does this matter?
Activity: Vaisakhi Quiz
Where next?
Race Across the Continents game - new update! game
Help this team of adventurers race their way to victory. Explore the globe in this exciting game update to discover new audio voiced by Ade Adepitan and fun animations. Challenge yourself with brand-new achievements and become a high-flyer!
More on Sikhism
Find out more by working through a topic
- count1 of 3
- count2 of 3
