What is Vaisakhi? Everything to know about the important Sikh celebration this week
This Friday marks Vaisakhi, one of the most significant and widely observed annual celebrations for Sikhs, who make up the fifth-largest major world religion.
Vaisakhi – sometimes spelled Baisakhi – has long been celebrated as a harvest festival across South Asia and especially in the Punjab region of India, where it is also observed by Hindus.
But in Sikhism, the day honors a pivotal moment in the evolution of the religion more than 300 years ago, when the tenth in a line of Gurus — or spiritual leaders — unified Sikhs and formalized many aspects of the faith.
"Vaisakhi presents an opportunity for me to reflect on my journey as a Sikh, and to reaffirm my commitment to the values of Sikhism," said Harman Singh, senior manager of education at The Sikh Coalition.
When is Vaisakhi 2023?
Vaisakhi is typically observed on April 13 or April 14 and marks the first day of the month Vaisakh in the Sikh calendar. This year, the celebration falls on Friday.
Earlier this month, a bipartisan group of U.S. representatives introduced a bill that would designate April 14 as "National Sikh Day" to "honor and celebrate the important role played by the Sikh community" in the U.S.
Happy Vaisakhi!
Say "Happy Vaisakhi" or "Vaisakhi Diyan Vadhaiyan," which means best wishes for Vaisakhi.
What is the history of Vaisakhi?
In 1469, a boy named Nanak was born in the Punjab region of South Asia, where the predominant religions were Islam and Hinduism. Nanak founded a new, independent religion– Sikhi, or Sikhism – and became the first Guru.
In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji chose the harvest festival of Vaisakhi to start what is known as the Khalsa Panth, a community of committed, initiated Sikhs, according to Kiran Kaur Gill, executive director of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund.
These Sikhs vow to live by the principles of Sikhism, including remembrance of God, truthful living, service to humanity and standing up against tyranny and injustice, Gill said.
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"Up until this time, Sikhism was a philosophy, collection of scriptures and set practices. When the Khalsa was established, it unified and solidified Sikhism into a collective faith and religion," Gill said.
The creation of the Khalsa was also important because of what was happening in northern India at that time, when Sikhs and people from other backgrounds were facing religious persecution and unjust taxes, Gill said.
"With the establishment of the Khalsa, Sikhs were more organized and were better prepared to fight for religious freedom and oppose corruption," she said.
Vaisakhi and the Sikh visible identity
Throughout the history of the ten Gurus, Sikhs had developed a distinct outward appearance, and it was on Vaisakhi that initiated Sikhs were given this visible identity as a mandatory and formal requirement, Gill said. "This identity ensures that Sikhs stand out and can be called upon for help," she said.
The identity is comprised of five religious symbols – known as the "5 Ks" – worn by all initiated Sikhs, Gill said. Those include:
Kesh, uncut hair symbolizing spirituality
Kanga, a wooden comb signifying cleanliness
Kachera, cotton undershorts signifying modesty and self-discipline
Kara, a steel bracelet worn on the dominant hand as a reminder to do good deeds
Kirpan, a small sword worn as reminder to stand up for those in need
On Vaisakhi, the Guru also gave Sikhs new last names. All women were given the name "Kaur," meaning "Princess," and men were given "Singh," meaning "Lion," Gill said. "This was to reinforce the ideas of equality, sovereignty and leadership," she said.
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What happens on Vaisakhi festival?
Sikhs often celebrate Vaisakhi by visiting their local gurdwara to worship, meditate and partake in langar, a free community meal prepared and served at all gurdwaras by volunteers, Singh said. Many gurdwaras organize Vaisakhi parades, with singing and the distribution of langar, he said.
"My favorite aspect of Vaisakhi is being with my family, friends, and community to meditate and sing in gratitude of Waheguru, the one divine being," Singh said. "Don't be afraid to ask your Sikh friends and neighbors about Vaisakhi, and to join in their celebrations. The gurdwara is open to all, and we welcome you to join us!"
What is Sikhi, or Sikhism?
The three daily principles of Sikhi include: truthful living, service to humanity and devotion to the divine, according to The Sikh Coalition. The worldview "centers on the idea of oneness," and Sikhs believe people of all faiths worship one divine being who "created this world and lives within it," the group says.
There are more than 25 million Sikhs worldwide, with most living in the Punjab region, according to The Sikh Coalition. While there isn't census data on Sikhs, the group estimates there about 500,000 Sikhs in the U.S., with large populations in California, New York and New Jersey.
Vaisakhi around the U.S.
In California: Popular Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan parade back for its 24th year
In Indiana: Sikh restaurant owner celebrates Vaisakhi by giving back
In Wisconsin: Vaisakhi celebrates culture and the strength of generations past
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Vaisakhi 2023: Everything to know about the Sikh holiday celebration
