Festivals
A festival is a time of celebration and joy. Sikhs celebrate many festivals throughout the year. These festivals are times when Sikhs all over the world come together as a community to celebrate and remember important events and dates.
Vaisakhi
Vaisakhi The most important of the Sikh festivals; also written as Baisakhi. is a Sikh harvest festival that shows gratitude and thanks for the harvest of food and crops that year. It also involves prayers for future crops. It became significant following the actions of Guru Gobind SinghGuru Gobind Singh was the tenth and final Sikh Guru. He established the Khalsa and completed the Guru Granth Sahib, the most important Sikh holy book. and the formation of the KhalsaThe Sikh community, literally 'the community of the pure'. Refers particularly to initiated Sikhs. in 1699.
As well as including prayers for crops, in India Vaisakhi is celebrated through:
- large fairs
- sporting competitions
- bhangra dancing and folk music
In addition, some Sikhs celebrate by travelling to Anandpur, where Guru Gobind Singh formed the Khalsa. They may also travel to the Golden Temple in AmritsarCity in North-Western part of Indian. Spiritual centre for Sikhs..
Divali
Diwali (Divali)A Hindu festival of light, also recognised by Sikhs. It celebrates the return of Rama to his kingdom and his wife Sita, after defeating the demon Ravana. is a festival that is celebrated throughout India by both Hindus and Sikhs. It is a festival of lights, symbolising good overcoming evil. For Sikhs, it is a celebration of freedom. It is usually celebrated in October or November, and lasts five days. Sikhs celebrate Divali after Bandi Chhorh Divas, which remembers the time that Guru HargobindGuru Hargobind was the sixth Sikh Guru who lived from 1595 to 1644. He became Guru at the age of eleven after the execution of his father, Guru Arjan. Guru Hargobind founded the Sikh military tradition. was released from prison and negotiated the release of Hindu kings.
Divali is important for Sikhs because:
- They remember the bravery of Guru Hargobind.
- It reminds Sikhs of the freedom to express religious beliefs. This applies to all religions, not just Sikhs.
- They remember the courage and strength of Sikhs who were prepared to stand up for their faith in times of persecution in the past.
- It helps Sikhs to remember the oneness of humanity and the importance of fair treatment for all people.
Divali is celebrated in several ways:
- The Akhand Path (Akand Path)Unbroken 48-hour reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib. is held.
- Street processions are organised.
- Firework displays are held.
- Homes are spring cleaned and decorated with lamps.
- New clothes are worn.
Gurpurbs
Gurpurbs are festivals that celebrate the anniversary of the birth or death of a Guru. There are many celebrations throughout the year. However, throughout the world, the four Gurpurbs that are celebrated the most widely are:
- the birthday of Guru NanakGuru Nanak was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Gurus, who lived from 1469 to 1539. (October/November)
- the birthday of Guru Gobind SinghGuru Gobind Singh was the tenth and final Sikh Guru. He established the Khalsa and completed the Guru Granth Sahib, the most important Sikh holy book. (December/January)
- the martyrSomeone who suffers death and persecution for their beliefs. of Guru ArjanGuru Arjan was the fifth Sikh Guru. He was born in 1563 and was executed in 1606 on the orders of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, and was the first Guru to be martyred. (May/June)
- the martyrdom of Guru Tegh BahadurGuru Tegh Bahadur was the ninth Sikh Guru and was born in 1621. In 1675 he was executed on the orders of the Mughal emperor. Guru Tegh Bahadur wrote a number of hymns which are included in the Guru Granth Sahib. (November/December)
Guru Nanak’s birthday is the most important Gurpurb. During Gurpurbs, firework displays are organised, lights and candles are lit in gurdwaras and homes, and children are often brought new clothes.
Differences between celebrations in India and the UK
Gurpurbs in India are celebrated on the actual anniversary of the date, whereas in the UK Sikhs often celebrate them on the Sunday nearest to the date. In India, schools are often closed for some of the Gurpurbs, but the festivals are often celebrated at the weekend in the UK.
