Vaisakhi 2020 Introduction Vaisakhi (also known as Baisakhi) is a Sikh festival which celebrates the year Sikhism was born as a collective faith. The festival commemorates the anniversary of the founding of the Khalsa, the collective name given to Sikhs who've been baptised. The day also marks the start of the Sikh New Year. Vaisakhi is also a Hindu festival, marking the Solar New Year and celebrating the spring harvest, but it is predominantly a Sikh holiday. Background Sikhism In 1699 the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh, chose Vaisakhi as the occasion to test the courage of his followers. In front of a crowd of people, he held up a sword and asked if anyone was prepared to give up their life for their religion. Five men came forward and joined the Guru in his tent. The crowd was concerned until they saw the five men return wearing turbans. These five men became known as the Panj Piare, or 'Beloved Five'. The men were baptised by the Guru and were declared the first members of the Khalsa (devout members of the Sikh community who wear religious attire). Hinduism Hindus believe that on this day, thousands of years ago, the Goddess Ganga came to earth in the form of the River Ganges. When is it? Vaisakhi is usually celebrated on either on 13th or 14th April. This year it will fall on 13th April. How is it celebrated? • Celebrations are usually marked with nagar kirtan processions (special processions through the streets). These usually include singing, music and chanting of hymns [email protected] Page 1 of 2 This briefing has been produced by the Diversity Team and is intended to give basic information on the observance above, further reading and research is encouraged. This document is for internal circulation only. 12/04/2019 • Many will also spend the day visiting family and friends and sharing gifts • Gurdwaras (a Sikh place of worship) are also visited and some choose to be baptised into the Khalsa on this day • Vaisakhi is celebrated to different extents by different Hindu communities. It is celebrated by Hindus from South India or Nepal, and from agricultural communities. Hindus traditionally celebrate this day by taking a dip in the River Ganges or another of the sacred rivers. Suggested Tweets Best wishes to everyone celebrating #Vaisakhi in the UK and around the world. Happy Vaisakhi! Across the country celebrations have begun to mark #Vaisakhi. As you gather with family and friends to celebrate, I wish you all a happy and peaceful #Vaisakhi [email protected] Page 2 of 2 This briefing has been produced by the Diversity Team and is intended to give basic information on the observance above, further reading and research is encouraged. This document is for internal circulation only. 12/04/2019 .