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RE Unit Spring :

What is and how is it celebrated?

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How to use this workbook

When you are working through the questions in this workbook, remember:

1. To write your answers in your best handwriting in your home learning / exercise / notebook. Don’t try to answer the questions in boxes in the workbook. 2. “Blue box is book” = The blue boxes are there to show you what to write / say and how to set out your work / ideas. Anything in the blue boxes is what you write in your book. Don’t write the black, write the blue – but without drawing the box round it! 3. When you are answering reading comprehension questions, you should always answer in complete thoughts (full sentences) and use the exact words from the text to prove your answer. The blue boxes will show you how…

1 RE: What is Vaisakhi and how is it celebrated? (Workbook)

RE Unit Spring Festivals: What is Vaisakhi and how is it celebrated?

Learning Overview

Lesson Lesson Question You will learn: 1. What is Vaisakhi? Who celebrates Vaisakhi. When Vaisakhi is celebrated. Where Vaisakhi is celebrated. When Vaisakhi started. Why Vaisakhi is such an important for . 2. Who was Gobind ? Who the Sikh were. Who Guru Gobund Singh was. How made Vaisakhi a special festival for Sikhs. 3. What is the and why is it important to What the Khalsa is. Sikhs? Why the Khalsa was formed. Who formed the Khalsa. Why the Khalsa is important to Sikhs. 4. What are the 5 Ks and why are they important What each of the 5 Ks is. to Sikhs? Why Sikhs wear them. 5. How is Vaisakhi celebrated? How Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi. Why Vaisakhi is such an important festival for Sikhs.

General Glossary amrit ; sugar mixed with water

the Sikh place of

guru a spiritual teacher

Guru Granth The Sikh Holy Book

Khalsa The word "Khalsa" means "pure", are Sikhs who have been baptised in the sacred Amrit Ceremony. a symbol, representing a vertical two-edged sword with its blade surrounded by a circle and its hilt (handle) intersected by the crossing hilts (handles) of two single-edged swords. It is on the Sikh flag. nirgun the Sikh that is above and beyond everything

Nishan Sahib the Sikh flag; a triangular yellow flag made of cotton or silk cloth, with a tassel at its end. The word Nishan means ‘symbol’ Payare the five ‘beloved ones’

Punjab of , where Sikhism was founded

sargun the Sikh belief that God is everywhere and in everything

shabads messages from the Gurus (contained in the , Sikh Holy Book

Sikh The word 'Sikh' in the means 'disciple'. Sikhism Sikhs are the disciples of God who follow the writings and teachings of the Ten . Sri Harmandir Sahib The Golden , a special gurdwara in , a place in Northwestern India

2 RE: What is Vaisakhi and how is it celebrated? (Workbook)

What is Vaisakhi and how is it celebrated? Learning Activity: Connect with what you already know / think you know

 Think to yourself: what does the word Vaisakhi mean to me?  Write down everything you know or think you know about Vaisakhi in your home learning / exercise / note book.  Remember to use complete sentences. The sentence stems are there to help you. Lesson 1: What is Vaisakhi? When I think about the word Vaisakhi, I think about ______

I think / I know that Vaisakhi______

Either: My family and I usually celebrate Vaisakhi by ______OR: My family and I don’t usually celebrate Vaisakhi because ______

If I could ask one question about Vaisakhi, it would be: ______

3 RE: What is Vaisakhi and how is it celebrated? (Workbook)

Lesson 1: What is Vaisakhi?

Vaisakhi is a Sikh festival. It is held on either 13th or 14th April each year.

Vaisakhi started as a The most important Sikh Vaisakhi was many years ago… held in 1699 at Anandpur.

During the festival in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Vaisakhi is one of the most important formed the first Sikh Khalsa. festivals in Sikhism.

Sikhs believe in one God who guides and protects them. They believe everyone is equal in God’s eyes. Sikhs believe that your actions are important and you should lead a good life.

Vaisakhi is a festival celebrated by Sikhs. It They believe the way to do this is: can be called Vaisakhi or Baisakhi,  Keep God in your heart and mind at depending on which part of India your all  family comes from. Live honestly and work hard  Treat everyone equally Sikhism is one of the world’s largest (most  Be generous to those less fortunate followed) . It was founded than you (started) around 500 years ago by the first  Serve others.

Guru, . Some also celebrate Vaisakhi for different reasons.

4 RE: What is Vaisakhi and how is it celebrated? (Workbook)

It was a when Punjabi people said thank you to their for all the good things given to human beings – a bit like Christian do when they hold their harvest festivals in the autumn.

It was also their celebration, The date of Baisakhi (or Vaisakhi) is April because the first day of the Indian solar th th 13 every year and once in every (sun) year is April 13th or 14th. 36 years. The change from the 13th April to 14th April once in every 36 years is because the festival is based on the Indian solar (sun- related) , which changes with the sun.

Before 1699, Sikhs from all over the used to gather together for Vaisakhi to celebrate the spring harvest and the start of their new year.

Hindus also gathered together for Vaisakhi. Vaisakhi was a spring harvest festival that had been celebrated for many years in the But in 1699, Sikhs believe that something Punjab region of India. important happened which changed the way they would celebrate Vaisakhi for ever.

In 1699, Sikhs from all over the Punjab gathered together to celebrate the New Year spring harvest as usual. Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru (Sikh spiritual teacher), was also there. 5 RE: What is Vaisakhi and how is it celebrated? (Workbook)

He chose this special day to establish the Khalsa. The first Khalsa (the Khalsa Panth) was a of men who were brave enough to help him to teach people about the Sikh way to live a good life, to look after the poor and homeless and to stand up for their beliefs.

During Vaisakhi, Sikhs remember the time that the Khalsa was formed and celebrate what it means to be the best you can be by following the Sikh way of life.

People wear special, colourful clothes and visit their gurdwara (the Sikh ).

There are parades in the street, music, singing and dancing.

During the festival the (Sikh flag) which flies over the gurdwara is taken down so that a brand new one can be put up. The special cloth which is wound round the flag pole is also replaced by a new one.

Sikhs in the Punjab try to visit Amritsar during the festival to celebrate their commitment to Sikhism. Sikhs in other parts of the world make trips to and from their to show that they believe in the Sikh way of life.

6 RE: What is Vaisakhi and how is it celebrated? (Workbook)

Lesson 1 Learning Activity: Retrieve what you have just found out about Vaisakhi Step 1) Metacognition  Without looking back at the text you have just read, look at the four questions in the grid below.  In your home learning book, write the numbers 1), 2), 3), 4).  Put a star next to the numbers if you think you will be able to answer them correctly.  Put a question mark next to the numbers if you don’t think you know the answer. 4 Questions to test yourself (remember, no looking…!) 1) Can you remember the date of the festival of 2) What are the two things Vaisakhi has always Vaisakhi and where it started? celebrated? 3) Can you remember the year that Guru Gobind 4) Can you name 3 ways in which Sikhs celebrate Singh made Vaisakhi even more important for Vaisakhi? Sikhs?  Now your book will look like this (remember blue is book!):

RE Lesson 1: What is Vaisakhi?

1) 2) 3) ? 4)

 Or maybe like this:

RE Lesson 1: What is Vaisakhi?

1) 2) ? 3) ? 4)

Step 2) Test yourself  Without looking back at the text you have just read, answer at the four questions in the grid in complete sentences.  Your book will look something like this (remember blue is book!):

1) The festival of Vaisakhi is celebrated on ______and it started in ______

2) The two things Vaisakhi has always celebrated are______and______

3) The year that Guru Gobind Singh made Vaisakhi even more important for Sikhs was______

4) 3 of the ways in which Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi are______

Step 3) Self-marking and correcting  Now look back at the text for Lesson 1 (What is Vaisakhi?) and mark or correct your answers in purple pen (or any colour will do). Step 4) Learn from your mistakes  If you got any wrong, make sure you learn the right answer for tomorrow!

7 RE: What is Vaisakhi and how is it celebrated? (Workbook)

Lesson 2: Who was Guru Gobind Singh?

Retrieval Practice: What can you remember about Vaisakhi from Lesson 1?

 Without looking back at your work from Lesson 1, answer these questions in your home learning / exercise / note book.

Lesson 1: What is Vaisakhi?

Vaisakhi is a Sikh festival. It is held on either 13th or 14th April each year. What is Vaisakhi also sometimes called? Why does the date of Vaisakhi change from 13th to 14th April once in every 36 years?

Vaisakhi started as a harvest festival The most important Sikh Vaisakhi was many years ago… held in 1699 at Anandpur. In what part of India did people celebrate Vaisakhi? Which other in the Punjab celebrated Vaisakhi?

During the festival in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Vaisakhi is one of the most important formed the first Sikh Khalsa. festivals in Sikhism. Why did Guru Gobind Singh want to start a special Cacn you name 3 ways in which Sikhs celebrate group of men, the Khalsa? Vaisakhi?  Remember to answer the questions in complete sentences. Your book will look like this:

Lesson 2: Who was Guru Gobind Singh? Retrieval Practice

1) Vaisakhi is also sometimes called______2) The date of Vaisakhi changes from 13th to 14th April once in every 36 years because______3) Vaisakhi was celebrated in ______4) Vaisakhi was also celebrated by ______5) Guru Gobind Singh wanted to start a special group of men, the Khalsa , because______6) Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi by ______and______and______

 Now look back at the text for Lesson 1 (What is Vaisakhi?) and mark or correct your answers in purple pen (or any colour will do). 8 RE: What is Vaisakhi and how is it celebrated? (Workbook)

Lesson 2: Who was Guru Gobind Singh?

The began in the fifteenth century. Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak.

There were ten Sikh Gurus. Guru Gobind Singh was the tenth Guru.

His father wanted him to grow up and work in the city to make money but Nanak wanted to help people in need instead. Once, Nanak’s father sent him into town with 20 rupees to make some money. Nanak was supposed to buy something Sikhism is one of the world’s largest (most and sell it for more than he paid for it to followed) religions. make a profit. But instead Nanak spent the money on buying food for some hungry It was founded (started) around 500 years people he met. ago by the first Guru, Guru Nanak. Today there are over 25 million Sikh followers Nanak’s father was furious with him and worldwide. became even more furious when Nanak told him that feeding hungry people was more important than making money. Nanak’s sister could see how angry their father was, so she asked if Nanak could go and live with her and her husband. Nanak’s father agreed and so he was sent away to live with his sister. Guru Nanak was born in India in 1469, in a small town called Talwandi. Nanak’s first job was as a shopkeeper at Sultanpur. While working as a shopkeeper, 9 RE: What is Vaisakhi and how is it celebrated? (Workbook)

Sikhs believe that Nanak would often He finally went to live on the banks of the explain his ideas about how to love and River Ravi, where people would gather follow God to his customers. and pray together. In the evening, everyone would cook and eat together, no Soon people began to gather in the village matter if they were rich or poor. to listen to him. Some began to call him a ‘Guru’, which means ‘teacher’. One morning, when Guru Nanak was 30 years old, he got up before dawn and went to the river to bathe and say his ; but he disappeared and all that was left were his clothes.

The villagers searched everywhere for One day, near the end of his life, Guru him, but could not find him and thought Nanak called a disciple to him, whose he had died. name was Lahna. Three days later, Nanak suddenly He placed five coins and a coconut in front appeared and remained silent for a whole of him, these were a symbol of respect. day. Guru Nanak said “From today, you are the When he finally spoke, he said that he had Guru of the Sikhs and I name you Angad been with God and had been told to tell (which means ‘part of my body’).” The the people how they could also become people were amazed and all Nanak’s closer to God. followers were told to follow him now. He said that all people were equal in God’s Days later, Guru Nanak died and his body eyes, “There is only God’s path and I shall was covered with a sheet. After his death, follow God’s path.” the Hindu and Muslim people argued From that point onwards, Nanak’s life about who should arrange the funeral changed. He travelled around different service. parts of India, teaching God’s message. The Hindus wanted him to be cremated, The people who listened to him were but the wanted him to be buried. known as ‘Sikhs’, a word which means ‘learner’. Nanak became known as Guru A wise man appeared and told them to Nanak, God’s teacher. look under the sheet. They did as he said and discovered there was no body, just a Guru Nanak spent twenty years making few flowers. four long journeys and sharing his messages. They realised that Nanak himself was telling them not to argue. The flowers and the sheet were split into two halves, so

10 RE: What is Vaisakhi and how is it celebrated? (Workbook)

the Hindus cremated their half whilst the covered in blood! The crowd gasped. Then Muslims buried theirs. the Guru asked again. 'Who is willing to die for God and the Guru?' Surely no one After Guru Nanak and else would come forward. (Lahna), there were eight more Gurus who spread the word of God: Guru Amar , But then another man stepped forward , , Guru and went into the tent with the Guru. Hargobind, , Guru Harkrishan, Once again the Guru came out of the tent and Guru Gobind alone, with blood on his sword. Then Singh. amazingly, another man stepped forward and went into the tent, and then another.

Four brave and devoted men – and each time the Guru stepped out of the tent alone, with his sword red in his hand.

Then a fifth man stepped forward and The tenth Sikh leader was called Guru went into the tent with the Guru. The Gobind Singh. crowd wondered, “How many men must die?” Guru means teacher, and he taught people about God. Guru Gobind Singh But this time the Guru came out of the decided things had to change, and so, on tent, with his sword, and behind him were the spring festival of Baisakhi, he called the five men. They were still alive! the Sikhs to join him. “This was a test,” the Guru explained, “to There was a huge crowd: over 20,000 see who was brave enough and willing to people. Guru Gobind Singh stood outside give up everything to show how much his tent and called out: 'I need a Sikh who they were devoted to God.' is willing to die for God and for the Guru.' The Guru called the five men the ‘Panje His words were passed through the crowd. Pyare’, which means ‘the beloved ones’. Everyone was amazed. Who was devoted They were to become the first members of enough to give up their life? Twice more a group called the Khalsa, which would the Guru called out to the crowd and defend the Sikh and care for the poor asked the question. Then one man came and helpless, whoever they were and forward. whatever they believed.

Guru Gobind Singh took him into his tent. After a while the Guru came out by himself. But in his hand was a sword

11 RE: What is Vaisakhi and how is it celebrated? (Workbook)

Lesson 2 Learning Activity: Retrieve what you have just found out about Guru Gobind Singh Step 1) Metacognition  Without looking back at the text you have just read, look at the four questions in the grid below.  In your home learning book, write the numbers 1), 2), 3), 4).  Put a star next to the numbers if you think you will be able to answer them correctly.  Put a question mark next to the numbers if you don’t think you know the answer. 4 Questions to test yourself (remember, no looking…!) 1) Can you remember who began the Sikh religion 2) Can you remember how many Sikh gurus there and when he began it? were and what number Guru Gobind Singh was? 3) Can you remember how many volunteers came 4) Can you remember what Guru Gobind Singh forward to give up their lives for God? called the five men who came forward to give up their lives to spread the word of God?  Now your book will look like this (remember blue is book!):

RE Lesson 2: Who was Guru Gobind Singh?

2) 2) 3) ? 4)

 Or maybe like this:

RE Lesson 2: Who was Guru Gobind Singh?

1) 2) ? 3) ? 4)

Step 2) Test yourself  Without looking back at the text you have just read, answer at the four questions in the grid in complete sentences.  Your book will look something like this (remember blue is book!):

1 ______started the Sikh religion in ______

2) There were______Sikh Gurus and Guru Gobind Singh was ______

3) ______volunteers came forward to give up their lives for God.

4) What Guru Gobind Singh called the five men who came forward to give up their lives to spread the word of God ______

Step 3) Self-marking and correcting  Now look back at the text for Lesson 2 (Who was Guru Gobind Singh?) and mark or correct your answers in purple pen (or any colour will do). Step 4) Learn from your mistakes  If you got any wrong, make sure you learn the right answer for tomorrow!

12 RE: What is Vaisakhi and how is it celebrated? (Workbook)

Lesson 3: What is the Khalsa and why is it important to Sikhs?

Retrieval Practice: What can you remember about Guru Gobind Singh from Lesson 2?

 Without looking back at your work from Lesson 2, answer these questions in your home learning / exercise / note book.

Lesson 2: Who was Guru Gobind Singh?

The history of Sikhism began in the fifteenth century. Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak. How many years ago did Sikhism begin? How did Nanak get the name ‘Guru Nanak’?

There were ten Sikh Gurus. Guru Gobind Singh was the tenth Guru.

What was the name of the second Guru? What did Guru Gobind Singh ask his followers at the (The one Guru Nanak chose to carry on his work…) festival of Vaisakhi in 1699?  Remember to answer the questions in complete sentences. Your book will look like this:

Lesson 3: What is the Khalsa and why is it important to Sikhs? Retrieval Practice

1) Sikhism began______years ago. 2) Nanak got the name ‘Guru Nanak’ because______3The name of the second Guru was ______4) At the festival of Vaisakhi in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh asked his followers______

 Now look back at the text for Lesson 2 (Who was Guru Gobind Singh?) and mark or correct your answers in purple pen (or any colour will do).

13 RE: What is Vaisakhi and how is it celebrated? (Workbook)

Lesson 3: What is the Khalsa and why is it important to Sikhs?

Guru Gobind Singh wanted to start a So he started the Khalsa at the special group of Sikhs. festival of Vaisakhi in 1699.

First he baptised the 5 brave men with amrit. Then they baptised Guru Gobind Singh.

He gave them all special names. He also gave them 5 special symbols of faith.

a good life, to look after the poor and homeless and to stand up for their beliefs. The first Khalsa (the Khalsa Panth) was that special group.

By the time Guru Gobind Singh became the tenth guru, there were many Sikh followers. But they were often persecuted and attacked for their beliefs. Guru Gobind Singh wanted to spread the word of God and to make it safe for Sikhs Guru Gobind Singh knew that his special to practise their beliefs. group would have to be very brave if they were going to defend the Sikh way of life So he decided to create a special group of against those people who did not agree men who were brave enough to help him with it. to teach people about the Sikh way to live

14 RE: What is Vaisakhi and how is it celebrated? (Workbook)

That is why he summoned his followers to After saying prayers, Guru Gobind Singh the festival of Vaisakhi at Anandpur and sprinkled the amrit on each of the Panj asked for volunteers who were ready to Pyare’s eyes and heads. This is called die for their faith. ‘baptism’.

As we have read, the crowd were very Then, he knelt in front of the Five and shocked at first, but eventually one brave asked them to do the same to him. This Sikh came forward and went into the tent. shows that everyone is equal in the eyes The crowd heard a thud and saw Guru of God. Gobind Singh come out of the tent alone with blood on his sword.

Then the Guru asked for another and again a volunteer stepped forward and the same happened. This procedure was repeated 5 times until the Guru had 5 volunteers.

Finally, they emerged from the tent After his baptism, Guru Gobind Singh said, dressed in yellow robes. Guru Gobind “Where there are , there am I, Singh declared them to be the “Panj when the Five meet, they are the holiest Pyare”, which means “the five beloved of holy.” ones”. He told everyone that the Panj Pyare were These 5 men were the first members of the first members of the Sikh community the new Sikh brotherhood, which was He wanted everyone to be able to know called “the Khalsa” from then on. how special these men were and how important the Sikh community was.

First he gave their group a name, the Khalsa, which means ‘the pure ones’.

Then he changed their surnames. Khalsa

men take the surname Singh which means After the crowd saw the five men come ‘’. This is a reminder to be courageous. out, they watched as Guru Gobind Singh Women take the surname Kaur which prepared amrit (holy water) in a steel bowl means ‘Princess’ and this is a sign of using a sword. dignity.

The names of the five Panj Pyare were: Amrit is a mixture of sugar and water. 1. Bhai Singh – first of the Panj

Pyare and represented kindness.

15 RE: What is Vaisakhi and how is it celebrated? (Workbook)

2. Bhai - second of the Panj The Khalsa is a reminder to all Sikhs that Pyare and represented justice and everyone can live a good life and be the righteousness. best they can be. 3. Bhai Mukham Singh – third of the Panj Pyare and represented organisation. Ever since the Khalsa was first formed by 4. Bhai Hummat Singh – fourth of the Guru Gobind Singh at Vaisakhi in 1699, the Panj Pyare and represented courage. festival of Vaisakhi changed for Sikhs. 5. Bhai – fifth of the Panj Pyare and represented majesty. Since 1699, Vaisakhi is not only a celebration of the Spring harvest and the Guru Gobind also changed his own Indian New Year, but also a celebration of surname. Before this day, he was called the day that the Khalsa was formed. Guru Gobind Rai. But after he was Vaisakhi is also a celebration of what it baptised, he took the surname Singh and means to be a good Sikh. became Guru Gobind Singh.

By giving the Khalsa such a distinctive and positive identity, Guru Gobind Singh showed all Sikhs that they had the chance to live with courage, and equality.

Having changed their names, Guru Gobind Singh also gave the first Khalsa five special symbols of faith to wear at all times. These symbols of belief are known as ‘The 5 Ks’.

Since the time of Guru Gobind Singh, Sikhs who have joined the Khalsa wear these symbols to show that they believe in the one true God enough to give up everything to live the best lives they can, to teach others about the way of God, so stand up for their beliefs and to help those most in need. 16 RE: What is Vaisakhi and how is it celebrated? (Workbook)

Lesson 3 Learning Activity: Retrieve what you have just found out about the Khalsa Step 1) Metacognition  Without looking back at the text you have just read, look at the four questions in the grid below.  In your home learning book, write the numbers 1), 2), 3), 4).  Put a star next to the numbers if you think you will be able to answer them correctly.  Put a question mark next to the numbers if you don’t think you know the answer. 4 Questions to test yourself (remember, no looking…!) 1) Can you remember why Guru Gobind Singh 2) Can you remember what Guru Gobind Singh wanted to create a special group of Sikhs? asked his followers at the Vaisakhi festival? 3) Can you remember how many volunteers came 4) Can you remember what Guru Gobind Singh forward to give up their lives for God? called the five men who came forward to give up their lives to spread the word of God?

 Now your book will look like this (remember blue is book!):

RE Lesson 3: What is the Khalsa and why is it important to Sikhs?

3) 2) 3) ? 4)

 Or maybe like this:

RE Lesson 3: What is the Khalsa and why is it important to Sikhs?

1) 2) ? 3) ? 4)

Step 2) Test yourself  Without looking back at the text you have just read, answer at the four questions in the grid in complete sentences.  Your book will look something like this (remember blue is book!):

1) Guru Gobind Singh wanted to create a special group of Sikhs so that ______

2) At the Vaisakhi festival, Guru Gobind Singh asked his followers ______

3) ______volunteers came forward to give up their lives for God.

4) Guru Gobind Singh called the five men who came forward to give up their lives to spread the word of God ______

Step 3) Self-marking and correcting  Now look back at the text for Lesson 3 (What is the Khalsa and why is it important to Sikhs?) and mark or correct your answers in purple pen (or any colour will do).

Step 4) Learn from your mistakes  If you got any wrong, make sure you learn the right answer for tomorrow!

17 RE: What is Vaisakhi and how is it celebrated? (Workbook)

Lesson 4: What and why are they important to Sikhs?

Retrieval Practice: What can you remember about the Khalsa from Lesson 3?

 Without looking back at your work from Lesson 3, answer these questions in your home learning / exercise / note book.

Lesson 3: What is the Khalsa and why is it important to Sikhs?

Guru Gobind Singh wanted to start a So he started the Khalsa at the special group of Sikhs. festival of Vaisakhi in 1699. Why did he want to start a special group of Sikhs? How did he choose his special group of Sikhs?

First he baptised the 5 brave men with amrit. Then they baptised Guru Gobind Singh. What is amrit and how did Guru Gibind Singh baptise Why did Guru Gibind Singh ask the 5 men to baptise the Panj Pyare? him with amrit?

He gave them all special names. He also gave them 5 special symbols of faith. What surname did he give to all men in the Sikh What does it show when people wear the 5 symbols of brotherhood and why? Sikh faith worn by the Khalsa?  Remember to answer the questions in complete sentences. Your book will look like this:

Lesson 4: What are the 5ive Ks and why are they important to Sikhs? Retrieval Practice 1) Guru Gobind Singh wanted to start a special group of Sikhs so that ______2) Guru Gobind Singh chose who would be in his special group by ______3) Amrit is ______and Guru Gobind Singh baptised his Panj Pyare by______4) Guru Gibind Singh asked the Panj Pyare to baptise him with amrit to show that ______5) The surname Guru Gobind Singh gave to all men in the Sikh brotherhood was ______because it means ______6) When people wear the 5 symbols of Sikh faith worn by the Khalsa, it shows that______

 Now look back at the text for Lesson 3 (What is the Khalsa and why is it important to Sikhs?) and mark or correct your answers in purple pen (or any colour will do). 18 RE: What is Vaisakhi and how is it celebrated? (Workbook)

Lesson 4: What the Five Ks and why are they important to Sikhs?

The 5 Ks were created at the same Guru Gobind Singh created the 5 Ks time as the first ever Khalsa. for several reasons.

Each K has a particular significance. Sikhs believe that the 5Ks represent a promise from Guru Gobind Singh.

them was a member of the Khalsa and could be trusted and followed, because all members of the Khalsa wear the 5 Ks. 2) Because always wearing the same 5 symbols would help the Khalsa to feel more like a strong team. At the Vaisakhi festival in 1699, Guru 3) So that when other Sikhs saw the Gobind Singh gave the first Khalsa (the symbols they would be reminded of ‘Panj Pyare’) a unique identity with 5 the Sikh way of life. special symbols, known as the 5Ks.

The Guru introduced ‘The 5 Ks’ for several The 5 Ks are 5 items that a person wears. important reasons: When a person wears all 5 of the Ks, it shows that they have joined the Khalsa 1) So that people would know who the and have given over their life to follow the Khalsa were. Wearing these 5 symbols would make it clear to teachings of the Gurus and to follow the everyone that the person wearing word of God. 19 RE: What is Vaisakhi and how is it celebrated? (Workbook)

The five Ks are called the 5 Ks because in Punjabi, they all begin with the letter K:  (uncut hair)  (a steel bracelet)  Kanga (a wooden comb)  Kaccha - also spelt, Kachh, Kachera (cotton underwear) and  (steel sword).

The last two are a reminder that Sikhs are warriors and should always fight for what is right.

intended, Sikhs would have his undying power and support.

The 5Ks, along with their daily sadhana (which means ‘good practices’, doing what is right), allow Sikhs to maintain their Sikhs believe that when Guru Gobind grace, dignity and attitude of service Singh gave the gift of the Five K’s to the through all pressure of time and space. Khalsa he did so with a promise.

He promised that by following the teachings of the Guru and living life as God

20 RE: What is Vaisakhi and how is it celebrated? (Workbook)

Lesson 4 Learning Activity: Retrieve what you have just found out about the 5Ks Step 1) Draw the diagram of the 5Ks from page 20 on a blank page in your home learning book. You don’t have to write all the words (unless you want to), but you should draw the key words and pictures.

Step 2) Now trace the diagram you have just drawn with your finger, saying what the all the words and pictures mean.

Step 3) After that, find a blank page at the back of your home learning book and draw as much of the diagram as you can from memory (WITHOUT looking at it). You CAN do this!

Step 4) Finally, look at the diagram on page 20 again. Self-mark and correct your diagram in purple pen (or any colour will do), adding any pictures or labels you forgot.

21 RE: What is Vaisakhi and how is it celebrated? (Workbook)

Lesson 5: How is Vaisakhi celebrated?

Retrieval Practice: What can you remember about the 5 Ks from Lesson 4?

 Without looking back at your work from Lesson 4, write down everything you can remember about the 5Ks in your home learning / exercise / note book.  Can you draw the diagram you learned from page 20 without looking?

 Now look back at the diagram and text in Lesson 4, page 20 (What are the 5Ks and why are they important to Sikhs?) and mark or correct your answers in purple pen (or any colour will do).

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Lesson 5: How is Vaisakhi celebrated?

It is a time to celebrate an Vaisakhi is held on 13th or 14th April every year. important event in Sikh history.

Special services are held at Gurdwaras. There are parades and dancing.

People share special meals together. People remember Guru Gobind Singh and what it means to be a Sikh.

Vaisakhi or Baisakhi is a Sikh festival. It celebrates the harvest, the Sikh New Year Vaisakhi marks a significant historical and the founding of the Sikh community, event for Sikhs, as it is the date of the known as the Khalsa. It is celebrated on founding of the Sikh community: the day the 13th or 14th April each year by Sikhs that Guru Gobibd Singh created the first all over the world. ‘Khalsa’.

Can you remember from Lesson 1 why Can you remember from Lesson 3 how and how often the date changes? often Guru Gobind Singh chose who

would be in the first Khalsa?

Can you remember why Guru Gobind Singh wanted to create a special group of Sikhs (the Khalsa)?

23 RE: What is Vaisakhi and how is it celebrated? (Workbook)

having no physical form. God is neither male, nor female. God is sargun (everywhere and in everything) and nirgun (above and beyond everything), so God cannot be shown as any one person or thing.

Sikhs worship both at home, privately, There aren’t any candles, , or bells and together, at a special place of worship either. The main focus of everyone’s called the Gurdwara. The word Gurdwara attention, and the only object of worship means ‘door that leads to the Guru’. in the main hall (or Darbar Sahib) is the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, Can you think why they which is treated with the respect that chose that name? would be given to a human Guru.

The first Gurdwara in the world was built Guru Gobind Singh was the tenth and last by Guru Nanak in 1521-2 at Kartarpur. living Guru. After that time there were no There are about 200 Gurdwaras in Britain. more Gurus, but the Guru Granth Sahib continued the teachings of the Gurus, There are four doors into a Gurdwara, helped by the Khalsa, known as the Door of Peace, the Door of Livelihood, the Door of Learning and the The Guru Granth Sahib contains 5867 Door of Grace. shabads (sacred / holy messages), written by six of the ten Gurus. These These doors are a symbol that people shabads are also known as from all four points of the compass (which means ‘the word of the Gurus). (anywhere in the world!) are equally welcome, whatever their status or beliefs. The introduction to the Guru Granth Sahib includes a section called ‘the Mool There's always a light on in a Gurdwara, to Mantar’, which contains all the important show that the Guru's Light is always visible Sikh beliefs. and is accessible to everyone at any time. The Guru Granth Sahib is kept in a room of Before going into the main hall of the its own during the night and carried in Gurdwara (called the Darbar Sahib), all procession to the main hall at the start of shoes must be taken off and hair covered the day's worship. to show respect. The book is then placed on a raised Inside the Gurdwara, men and women sit platform (called the Takht or Sahib, cross-legged on opposite sides, facing the meaning "throne") under a canopy Guru Granth Sahib. There are statues or (Chanani or Palki), and covered with an religious pictures because Sikhs worship expensive cloth when it is not being read. only God, and they believe that God as

24 RE: What is Vaisakhi and how is it celebrated? (Workbook)

During a service a person with a whisk or flagpole itself is covered with fabric, ends fan called a Chaur waves it over the Guru with a two-edged dagger (khanda) on top. Granth Sahib.

Although Sikhs show reverence (worship) to the Guru Granth Sahib, their reverence is to its spiritual ideas (shabad) not the book itself.

Image from Reddit.com

In some Sikh communities, the high point of Vaisakhi celebrations is the Sikhs celebrate this very important day of performance of traditional folk their religion with joy and devotion. They called (for men) and gidda (for take an early bath and wear colourful new women). clothes.

As well as visiting their neighbourhood Gurdwara to take part in the special meetings organised for the day, they may take part in special parades to and from the Gurdwara. Sikhs believe that they should be part of a The Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag) is taken down fellowship, worship, eat and serve and replaced with a fresh one. The fabric together. wrapped around the flagpole is also replaced. Every Gurdwara has a , which is a free kitchen where food is served to The Sikh flag is often seen near the worshippers without charge. This is entrance to the Gurdwara, standing firmly because when Guru Nanak first founded on the platform, overlooking the whole building. Sikhs show great respect to their Sikhism, he wanted to help those most in flag as it is the symbol of the freedom of need of food. the Khalsa. The word langar also means ‘shared The Nishan Sahib is a triangular yellow flag meal’. made of cotton or silk cloth, with a After taking part in special services at the tassel at its end. The word Nishan means Gurdwara, people sit in rows to enjoy ‘symbol’, and the flag is hoisted on a tall the langar together, served by kar flagpole, outside most Gurdwaras. The sevaks (volunteers).

25 RE: What is Vaisakhi and how is it celebrated? (Workbook)

Sikhs believe in one God who guides and protects them. They believe everyone is equal in God’s eyes. Sikhs believe that your actions are important and you should lead a good life.

During Vaisakhi, Sikhs have the They believe the way to do this is: opportunity to be blessed with the amrit  Keep God in your heart and mind at (water with sugar). all times  Live honestly and work hard Drinking amrit shows that they are  Treat everyone equally accepting that all people are equal, to help  Be generous to those less fortunate those in need and those who are badly than you treated by others.  Serve others

Can you remember how Guru Lesson 5 Learning Activity: Retrieve what Gobind Singh used amrit when he you have just found out about How formed the Khalsa? (Lesson 3) Vaisakhi is celebrated Many Sikhs from all over the world try to visit the Sri Harmandir Sahib, which is also known as The . It is in Look at the four photographs of Amritsa in India. Vaisakhi on the next two pages.

In your home learning book, write about what you can see in each photograph and describe how it relates to what you have learned about the Sikhism and the festival of Vaisakhi.

If you can, see if you can write about any similarities and differences

Image from Wikipedia between the two photographs.

Most of all, at Vaisakhi, Sikhs remember how Guru Gobind Singh created the Khalsa to protect the Sikh way of life.

They remember what it means to be a Sikh and they focus on the importance of their beliefs.

26 RE: What is Vaisakhi and how is it celebrated? (Workbook)

Photograph from ‘ homes’

Photograph from ITV news Credit PA

Photograph from Ben Ravilious

27 RE: What is Vaisakhi and how is it celebrated? (Workbook)

Photograph from Allevents.in

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