
Baisakhi, Khalsa Panth and Jallianwala Bagh
Baisakhi, usually celebrated on April 13 or 14, is a joyous celebration of the ripening of the Rabi crop in Punjab. The day also marks religious and social unity for Sikhs. People gather in gurdwaras, perform kirtans, and partake in langar. But the most important aspect of Baisakhi is the establishment of the Khalsa Panth, which gave Sikhism a new identity and direction.
On April 13, 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji established the Khalsa Panth on the day of Baisakhi at Anandpur Sahib. It was the historic moment when Guru Ji made the Panj Pyaras Khalsa by administering Amrit to them and gave the Sikhs the titles of "Singh" and "Kaur". The aim of the Khalsa Panth was to unite the Sikh community, inspire them to fight against injustice and establish a system based on equality, courage and piety. Guru Gobind Singh Ji called the Khalsa as "saint-soldiers" who are not only spiritually strong but also socially and politically active. The establishment of the Khalsa Panth transformed Sikhism into an organized and powerful community. The Panch Kakar (Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kirpan, Kachha) formed the distinctive identity of the Khalsa, which is still a symbol of pride for Sikhs. This historical significance of Baisakhi reminds Sikhs of their roots and sacrifices.
The day of Baisakhi is also associated with a tragic incident on April 13, 1919, known as the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. Thousands of people, including Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims, had gathered for a peaceful gathering on the occasion of Baisakhi at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar. They were protesting against the repressive laws of the British government like the Rowlatt Act. But Brigadier General Reginald Dyer ordered to open fire on the unarmed people without warning. Hundreds of people were killed and thousands injured in this massacre. This incident of Jallianwala Bagh proved to be a turning point in the Indian freedom struggle. It created a wave of outrage across the country and further intensified the struggle for independence. The Sikh community, which had already taken a pledge to fight against injustice through the Khalsa Panth, took this incident as a matter of deep sorrow and inspiration.
Baisakhi, Khalsa Panth and Jallianwala Bagh are deeply related to each other. While Baisakhi is a symbol of celebration and unity, Khalsa Panth teaches Sikhs courage and piety. On the other hand, the massacre of Jallianwala Bagh shows the sacrifice that the whole of India, including the Sikhs, gave for independence.
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