Devotees throng Golden Temple to mark Khalsa Sarjana Divas

Devotees thronged the Golden Temple and other historic gurdwaras in the holy city on Sunday to mark the Khalsa Sarjana Divas.

Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, in a message to the Sikh community living in India and abroad, asked them to hoist the Nishan Sahib at their homes, offices and places of work to express happiness and unity.

In a message released on the eve of Khalsa Sarjana Diwas, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj congratulated the Sangat over the 326th birth anniversary of the Khalsa Panth. He said the 10th Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh, gave a unique identity to the Sikhs on this day in 1699.

Baisakhi also has great importance in the religious and cultural history of the region. From the fields to gurdwaras and cattle mandis to the bazaars of Amritsar, festivities can be seen everywhere.

The festival of Baisakhi holds special significance in Sikh history. The day is celebrated as the birth anniversary of the Khalsa. The 10th Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa Panth at Anandpur Sahib on Baisakhi in 1699. Therefore, the entire Sikh community celebrates it as the day of birth of the Khalsa.

Devotees from all over the world visited the Golden Temple to pay obeisance and took a dip in the holy Amrit Sarovar. The ceremony of Amrit Sanchar (baptism) was also held at Akal Takht and the devotees offered grain produced in their fields for langar. Religious programmes were also held in gurdwaras.

The locals also celebrate Baisakhi festival as Dastaar Diwas to promote the tradition of wearing turban.