Sikhs Festivals
Sikh festivals are occasions for Sikhs to rededicate themselves to the Faith. Even martyrdoms and death anniversaries of the Gurus are festivals to inspire the faithful and remind them of their history and the value of sacrifice for a good cause. People of various faiths are invited to these celebrations to give them a view of the Sikh faith and way of life.
Baisakhi (Vaisakhi)
Baisakhi is a New Year Festival in the Sikh calendar. Khalsa was
created by Guru Gobind Singh Ji on this day by performing the
Amrit ceremony in 1699. Traditionally, on this day which usually
falls on 13th April, 'Nishan Sahib', the Sikh Flag, is replaced
by a new one. A service in the open compound is held, led by 'Panj
Pyara'. The Flag post is taken down and 'Chola', the flag cloth,
is removed and the flag post is cleaned and washed. It is
covered with a new 'Chola' and re-hoisted. The ceremony is
completed by an Ardas. The whole scene is very inspiring.
In common with other festivals, 'Akhand Path' (continuous
reading of Guru Granth Sahib for 48 hours) is arranged to 2 days
earlier and 'Bhog' (completion ceremony) takes place on the
morning of Baisakhi. This is followed by the singing of divine
hymns. Later, learned preachers give talks on the importance of
Baisakhi. Amrit ceremony is performed at most places for those
ready to take Amrit. Competitions are held in sports, martial
arts, poetry and essay writing on the festival theme. In
addition the Sikh men, women and children take part in 'Sewa' in
Langar which stays open throughout the three days for the
worshipers.
Diwali
Diwali means the Festival of Lights. The Sikhs celebrate Diwali
because Guru Hargobind reached Amritsar on Diwali day after his
release from Gwalior jail. He had also got 52 princes freed from
prison. That is why this festival is very important for the
residents of Amritsar. The Golden Tempe complex is illuminated
and wonderful displays of fireworks are held. Priceless historic
treasures and weapons used by the Gurus are put on display..
The Indian festival of lights held around October 25th. Guru
Amar Das institutionalized this as one of the special days when
all Sikhs would gather to receive the Gurus blessings at
Goindwal. In 1577 the foundation stone of The Golden Temple was
laid on Diwali. On Diwali 1619 the Golden Temple was illuminated
with many lights to welcome home and celebrate the release of
Guru Hargobind from imprisonment in Gwalior fort. Sikhs have
continued this annual celebration with lamps being lit outside
gurdwaras and sweets distributed to all. The largest gathering
happens at The Golden Temple which is lit up with thousands of
lights.
Hola Mohalla
An annual festival of thousands held at Anandpur Sahib. It was started by Guru Gobind Singh as a gathering of Sikhs for military exercises and mock battles on the day following the Indian festival of Holi. The mock battles were followed by music and poetry competitions. The Nihang Singh's carry on the martial tradition with mock battles and displays of swordsmanship and horse riding. There are also a number of durbars where Sri Guru Granth Sahib is present and kirtan and religious lectures take place. The festival culminates in a large parade headed by the Nishan Sahibs of the gurdwaras in the region. Hola Mohalla is held around March 17.