These 38 photo’s were taken during the Sikh celebration of Vaisakhi (also spelled as Baisakhi) at Croydon Gurdwara (Temple) in South London. Words below have been written by our brother Sunni Singh of Croydon Gurdwara.

History of Vasaikhi:

Vasaikhi is one of the most sacred celebrations for the Sikhs. It marks the occasion when our tenth master, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji created the Khalsa Panth, and blessed the Sikhs with the ambrosial nectar stirred with the double edge sword, known as “khande-paul de amrit”.

This sacred ceremony took place at Anandpur Sahib, a city in Rupnagar district (Ropar) in the state of Punjab, India in the year 1699. It was estimated that 50,000-70,000 people came at the command of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

The history of Sikhism is filled with great sadness and brutality by the rulers of the time, the Mughal Empire. Our 5th Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji was executed by the command of the Emperor Jahangir, our 9th Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadhur Ji was executed in Delhi by the command of the Emperor Aurengzeb. The ethos of every Sikh is to be Compassionate (Daya), Truthful (Sath), remain Contempt (Santokh), Humble (Nimrita) & always in a state of High Spirit (Chardi Kala). We are to also stand against Tyranny, and fight for Justice, Righteousness & Truth- thus forming the Sant Soldier Model known as “Sant Siphai”.

History for the Sikhs is immersed with great sacrifice and sadness due to the reign and brutality inflicted by the Mughal Empire. Thus the time had come for an army to take form blessed with the Courage & Dignity to fight against oppression, and represent the faith in a universal form eliminating cast, creed & distinction of hierachy. Our 1st Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught us we are all one, and see the light of the Lord in all.

At the time of the spring festival of Vaisakhi in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji called all the Sikhs to Anandpur Sahib. He made them realise that they had the power within themselves to stand upright and fend for their religion and beliefs. Guru Ji, along with all the other Guru’s all came to the world to make us aware of the kindness and unity of Waheguru (God) and to rid the world of hate, prejudice and fear and to learn to live in harmony with our brothers and sisters

Now the scene was set. Guru Ji addressed the congregants with a most stirring oration on his divine mission of restoring their faith and preserving Dharam (righteousness).

After his inspirational discourse, Guru Ji flashed his unsheathed sword and said that every great deed was preceded by equally great sacrifice. Guru Ji asked, with a naked sword in his hand, “Is there any one among you who is prepared to die for the their faith?” When people heard his call, they were taken aback. Some of the wavering followers left the congregation, while other began to look at one another in amazement.

After some moments, one Sikh stood up and declared his pledge to give his life for his faith. His name was Bhai Daya Ram from Lahore (now in Pakistan). Daya Ram approached the stage, knelt infront of Guru Ji. At this point Guru Ji took their sword, and with one swift blow took his head off. The congregation was stunned, some ran, some complained to Guru Ji’ Mother. Guru Ji then looked at the congregation and again said “Is there any one among you who is prepared to die for the their faith?”. After some moments, another Sikh stood, knelt infront of Guru Ji, and again his head was removed. Guru Ji had called out 5 times, in which 5 Sikhs stood up and their heads were removed.

The 5 Sikhs names were; Daya Ram, Dharam Chand, Himmat Rai & Sahib Ram.

Guru Ji then took a cauldron made from stone and 
put an iron wok (bowl) without handles on top of it. Guru Ji then poured 
water into the wok and started preparing “Amrit” elixir 
of life. Guru Ji kept churning the water with his double- 
edged sword and kept on reciting Gurbani (prayers). During this time, Mata Sahib Kaur, the spiritual mother of the Sikhs, approached the stage and put sugar cubes in the bowl while Guru Ji stirred the water with the Double Edged Sword, known as the Khanda. This process 
went on for 1.5 to 2 hours.

Now the sacred ambrosial nectar known as Amrit was ready.

Guru Ji then sowed the 5 heads back onto the bodies, but they had sowed 5 different heads to 5 different bodies. Next Guru Ji sat on the head side of Daya Ram and poured Amrit into his mouth, they then poured some into his head and then sprinkled some in his eyes, and then they asked the dead body to say “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh” which translates to “Hail the Khalsa who belongs to the Lord God! Hail the Lord God to whom belongs the victory! ” in which all 5 bodies stood up and firmly repeated.

Guru Ji had then taken the 5 Sikhs into a tent, and after some time they all came out wearing the regal colours of the Khalsa, Orange & Blue. They were wearing the same clothes and stood as one unified form.

Guru Ji then sat infront of them in “Bir Ras” (posture of the brave-kneeling on one knee) and asked the 5 Beloved Ones to also bless him with this Nectar. It was the 4th Beloved One, Bhai Mohkam Singh Ji, who asked Guru Ji “what will you do to receive this Amrit” in which Guru Ji replied, “I will sacrifice my whole family for the sake of the faith” at which point Guru Ji was also baptised with the sacred ambrosial nectar.

This is the history of Vasaikhi. It reminds every Sikh of the great sacrifices made for the practice of our faith. It reminds us to look at all humans as one, and take the pledge to give your head to the Guru, and remain in service at their feet with every breath you have. – Bhai Sunni Singh, Head of Sikh Youth Croydon, sYc.

Words: Sunni Singh

Please do not hesitate to get in touch for further information about Sikhi or visiting Croydon Gurdwara. All humans are welcome.