Aim • To explain why the festival of Vaisakhi is important to Sikhs Vaisakhi Sikhism is the religion that celebrates Vaisakhi.

Vaisakhi (or Baisakhi) is when Sikh people celebrate their New Year. The Story of Vaisakhi A guru is a Sikh spiritual leader. There were ten gurus, one of whom was called Guru Gobind Singh. Guru Gobind Singh was the tenth and final human guru. In 1699, many Sikh people were gathered together in the Punjab, an area in modern-day India. They were celebrating the harvest. During this time, Guru Gobind Singh created a group of Sikhs called the Khalsa, which is Punjabi for ‘the pure ones’. The Story of Vaisakhi In the midst of the celebration was a tent. Guru Gobind Singh came out of the tent waving a sharp sword in his hand. He looked at the crowd of people and asked, “Who is willing to sacrifice their life for their faith?” One brave man stepped forward. “I will,” he said. The man followed Guru Gobind Singh into the tent. After a few minutes, Guru Gobind Singh came out. His sword was covered in blood and there was no sign of the other man! The Story of Vaisakhi Guru Gobind Singh asked his question again. Another four men followed him into the tent – none of them returned. No one knew what had happened to them. The Story of Vaisakhi Finally, all five men walked out of the tent unharmed. They were dressed in special robes and they were wearing turbans.

Guru Gobind Singh had set a test to discover the bravest and most faithful people there. The guru gave these men new names to show how special they were. The Story of Vaisakhi These five men became known as the ‘Panj Pyare’ (the ‘Five Beloved Ones’). Guru Gobind Singh gave these men new names to show how special they were. Guru Gobind Singh then baptised the ‘Panj Pyare’ and sprinkled them with ‘Amrit’ (holy water). Today, Sikh men and women can be baptised so they can become members of the Khalsa. How Is Vaisakhi Celebrated? Vaisakhi is celebrated on 13th or 14th April. On this day, Sikh people wear brightly-coloured clothes. They visit a gurdwara (the Sikh place of worship), which are decorated for this festival. How Is Vaisakhi Celebrated? Some Sikhs also go on a procession through the streets. They sing hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy book). Time to Think

• Guru Gobind Singh was looking for brave people.

• Can you think of a time when you have been brave?

• Do you know any stories about brave people?