From April 21 – 23, The Guru Nanak Sikh Temple on 19th Street in Niagara Falls, NY will be commemorating one of their most holy celebrations, Vaisakhi.  Officially recognized on April 14, in the Punjab province in India where many Sikhs live, it is the time of the Spring Harvest and occasion for joy, however it gained its religious significance in 1699. This is when the Tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, established the order of the Khalsa Panth, or Saint Soldier and the visible articles of Sikh Faith.  These articles are commonly known as the 5K’s which stand for:

• Kes-unshorn hair- tied up-and under the turban to make a Sikh clearly identifiable- to show commitment to the faith
• Kanga-wooden comb- to represent cleanliness
• Kara- steel bracelet – that whatever you do with your hands must be righteous, and is a constant reminder of the Universal Creator
• Kachera- undergarments- as a sign of purity of mind and intention
• Kirpan- a small sword – a symbol of a Sikh’f duty to fight for justice

The title of Khalsa refers to people whose life and spirit are in service of the Universal Creator. “The perfect light of the Lord illuminates his heart, then consider him as immaculate as the Khalsa.”  Sikhs believe in the Oneness of all Creation, and therefore it is important to take care of all creation, and to view all people as One, regardless of religion, gender, caste, ethnicity, race, or other attribute.

Vaisakhi celebrations around the world include parades, the singing of shabads (hymns), Gatka (Sikh martial arts) demonstrations, and the serving of langar, the free community meal. Sikhs often perform acts of Sewa (community service) during this time.  Like many Gurdwaras around the world, the Niagara Sikh Association will have an Akhand Path, which is a continuous reading of the 1430 pages of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh Holy Scripture, from beginning to end.  Readers take shifts and read in a relay fashion, day and night without stopping, over approximately 48 hours.  This is considered holy practice that is said to bring peace to and solace both the readers and the listeners.  It concludes with a service that includes the Ardas, the Sikh prayer that includes a prayer for the protection and care of all mankind.  If you know any Sikhs, you can wish them a Happy Vaisakhi!

For more information, you can contact the Sikh Temple on 19th Street in Niagara Falls.

Sources: Sikhnet.com, sikhiwiki.org