Vaisakhi
Melas are Sikh festivals that are not GurpurbsFestivals that celebrate the anniversary of the birth or death of a Guru.. Vaisakhi The most important of the Sikh festivals; also written as Baisakhi. and DivaliA Hindu festival of light. Sikhs celebrate too, increasingly calling the day Bandhi Chhor Divas. are examples of melas. Melas originate in Hindu festivals of the same name. However, Sikhs have developed their own ways of celebrating these festivals, guided by the teachings of the GuruCan mean God, teacher or guide. Usually means a teacher of religion. In Sikhism, it also refers to the ten human messengers of God..
Meaning of Vaisakhi
Vaisakhi is the Sikh harvest festival. It shows gratitude and thanks for the harvest of food and crops that year. It also involves prayers for future crops. It became significant following the actions of Guru Gobind SinghGuru Gobind Singh was the tenth and final Sikh Guru. He established the Khalsa and completed the Guru Granth Sahib, the most important Sikh holy book. and the formation of the KhalsaThe Sikh community, literally 'the community of the pure'. Refers particularly to initiated Sikhs. in AD1699. During Vaisakhi, many Sikhs remember solemn occasions from the past when other Sikhs were persecuted. It is usually celebrated on 13 or 14 April.
Celebrations at Vaisakhi
The celebrations at Vaisakhi are similar to those held during gurpurbs. They include processions and services held in the gurdwaraSikh place of worship. Literally, the 'doorway to the Guru'.. In addition, committees for the gurdwara are elected and the Nishan SahibSikh triangular flag. (the orange flag outside every gurdwara) is taken down and replaced with a new flag, which is donated by the sangatCongregation in a Sikh gurdwara.. The flagpole is taken down and washed in milk and yoghurt and then water. This is to symbolise cleanliness and purity.
As well as including prayers for crops, in India Vaisakhi is celebrated through:
- large fairs
- sporting competitions
- bhangra dancing and folk music
In addition, some Sikhs travel to AnandpurA city in the state of聽Punjab, India., where Guru Gobind Singh formed the Khalsa. They may also travel to the Harmander Sahib (Golden Temple in AmritsarCity in North-Western part of Indian. Spiritual centre for Sikhs.) in Amritsar to celebrate.