Baisakhi Festival

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To stop the forcible conversion of the Hindus by the Mughals, Guru Tegh Bahadur came to Delhi on the request of Pandits of Kashmir where he was martyred at Chandni Chownk in 1675, Delhi and his head was brought to Anandpur sahib by Bhai Jaita (later called Bhai Jeewan Singh). Bhai Jeewan Singh told Guru Gobind Singh Ji (then only 9 years old) that the Sikhs of Delhi were so scared that no one would claim the body of Guru Tegh Bahadur.

Guru Gobind Singh after a serious thought said,''I will create Khalsa, who would be recognized amongst hundreds of thousands by his appearance.''
In 1699 he sent message to all his disciples all over the Indian Subcontinent to gather at Anandpur Sahib on the Vaisakhi Day. At this gathering on April 13, 1699, after the Gurubani recitation, the Guru addressed the audience with a glittering sword drawn in his hand and demanded a head of a brave Sikh. Then there was a commotion in the gathering of hundreds of thousands.

There was a utter stillness as Daya Ram a Khatri from Lahore rose and offered his head with great humility. The Guru took him to a tent pitched behind the audience. After some time the Guru came back to the audience with the blooded sword. He asked for one more head and repeated the same process five times. Four more volunteers came forward, each of them went with him to the tent and every time he returned alone with his bloodied sword.

The guru went to the tent yet again, this time for a long time. Here appeared followed by the five men, clad in saffron-coloured garments. The crowd was astonished for it had assumed them to be dead. Guru gives amrit

They sat on the daris made for the occasion, while the guru prepared water to bless them.

The Guru prepared Amrit by stirring water and Patasas (sugar crystals) with khanda (Double edged sword), while reciting Gurubani. Then Guru himself bestowed Amrit to five of them.The water was now considered the sacred nectar of immortality called amrit.

It was first given to the five volunteers, then drunk by the guru and later distributed to the crowd. These first five were called as "Panch Pyaras" Five Beloved Ones by the Guru. They were given the Surname of Singh (lion) and all their previous subcastes removed from their names. Every one was equal and they were like foster brothers.

They were directed by the guru to wear five K's: Kesh or long hair, Kangha or comb, Kripan or dagger, Kachha or shorts and a Kara or bracelet. He discontinued the tradition of gurus and asked all Sikhs to accept the Grantha Sahib as their eternal guide. After that thousands of people took Amrit and become Amritdhari Sikhs.

The Purpose of founding the Khalsa was:
1. To spread righteousness and to uproot the repression and injustice.
2. Create love and harmony amongst humankind and end evil of hatred. Khalsa stands for gender equality .
3. To instill self-confidence. Live a humble life with self-respect and serve the society as its honorable Sant Sipahi ( Saint Soldier).