On Sunday 22nd April 2018, Sikhs in Brisbane converged in large numbers to take part in the annual Khalsa Day Parade complete with floats and martial arts as a part of Vaisakhi celebrations.
Vaisakhi is the most important festival that is celebrated by Sikh community across the globe as the Creation of the Khalsa. The festival marks the day in 1699 when the 10th Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh, founded the Sikh community. It also marks the onset of the harvest season and the Punjabi New Year.
The procession was led by the Panj Pyaras (the five beloved ones representing the spirit and body of the Guru) and followed by the holy scripture of the Sikhs (Guru Granth Sahib) placed on a golden palanquin, decorated with flowers. The procession was marked by rendering of holy hymns-shabad kirtan by various groups of men, women and children.
What is interesting about the Sikh principles and very few people know is that the Khalsa is a collective of committed Sikhs – male & female- who are the leaders and defenders of the Sikh way. The Khalsa was created to fight oppression, uphold freedom and basic needs of food, clothing, health and education for all people. The reason Guruji gave the Khalsa, a distinct form of appearance is people to recognise them and ask them for help, when needed. The turban and Kirpan (sword) worn by Khalsa reflects their sovereign nature. As instituted by first Guru-Guru Nanak Dev Ji, all gurudwaras serve free food (langar) to all visitors irrespective of race, religion or social status. The main reasons behind this is to fight hunger, bring equality in action and teaching compassion in all.