Sikh holidays are religious observances marked by worship and celebrations such as marches. There are several Sikh holidays and festivals to attend. Some are remarkable in their rights, such as Maghi and Hola Mohalla. Sikhs celebrate the most significant holidays wherever they may be. On such festivals, the entire Sikh community in a given location gathers in a gurudwara. It is tastefully designed and well-lit.
The Granth is continually read. A prayer is recited. The entire assembly receives a sweet dessert (karah prasad). Different spots offer flavoured and chilled water during warmer days. In the twilight, the residences are illuminated. All fair celebrations should have free langar at the major gurudwara.
In God’s sight, people of different ethnicities, faiths, and orientations are equal, according to Sikhism. It instils perfect equality in men and women. Women are happy to come to religious events, perform Sikh rituals, and lead the congregation in prayer. This faith is built on the religious concepts of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru, and 10 later Sikh gurus.
Let’s explore more of Sikh Festivals:-
Vaisakhi
The Sikh Vaisakhi celebration commemorates the Khalsa’s birth. Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Sikh Guru, asked a huge amount of Sikhs to sacrifice themselves for Sikhism in April 1699. The first five people who came forward were inducted into the Khalsa, a new religious organisation. The Panj Pyare was the name given to this group of five men. Typically, Sikhs commemorate Vaisakhi with a Hymn Singing, a parade led by five initiated Sikhs around their native town (Panj Pyare). The central emphasis of the procession is Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Sikh canonical Guru, who is carried on afloat. Gurbani (Hymns) are performed, langar (free food) is distributed, and Sikh martial arts demonstrations are common.
Hola Mohalla
Hola Mohalla is a well-known and colourful three-day Sikh festival held in the spring. Hola Mohalla is a massive yearly fair held in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab, on the day after the Holi festival. Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh guru, pioneered the tradition of conducting such a fair. Hola Mohalla is usually held a day after the Hindu celebration of Holi, however ,it can also be held on the very same day. Early in the morning ceremonies begin off the festivities. The Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Sikhs’ current and only Guru, is given a sacred bath with milk and water before getting placed on the pedestal and recited.
Maghi
The following day of Lohri is Maghi, which marks the beginning of the period of Magh. This is an auspicious day, as per popular opinion, to take a holy bath and give away donations. To commemorate the day, kheer is made with sugar cane juice. Maghi is also a combat commemoration day for Sikhs. The event commemorates the sacrifice of Guru Gobind Singhandand’s “forty immortals,” who died in his defence. The first week of the month of Magh is Maghi, also known as Makara Sankranti. On the eve of Maghi, the common Indian holiday of Lohri is celebrated, during which Hindu householders light bonfires to celebrate the birth of sons and alms are dispersed.
Gurupurabs
Gurupurabs are festivals commemorating the lives of the Sikh Gurus. Every year, the Sikhs commemorate ten Gurpurabs. At all of these celebrations, one of the Khalsa Pantha’s 10 gurus is honoured. The anniversaries of Guru Nanak and Guru Govind Singh, as well as the martyrdom days of Guru Arjun Dev and Guru Teg Bahadur, are among the most noteworthy. The celebration is also known as Prakash Utsav, or the celebration of light, because Sikhs believe Guru Nanak imparted illumination to the globe. Gobind Singh, the Tenth Guru, was birthed in Patna on December 2, 1666. The fifth Guru, Arjun Dev, is martyred in the months of May and June, while the ninth Guru, Tegh Bahadur, is martyred in November.
Bandi Chhor
Bandi Chhor is an annual memorial event that takes place in October or November and commemorates the liberation of the Sixth Guru Har Govind from captivity. This year’s event falls on Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Bandi Chhor is commemorated by Sikhs with worship rituals that include kirtan, or spiritual chanting, as well as the lighting of lanterns or candles.
Sodal Mela
It is held to celebrate Baba Sodal, a great soul, and is one of Punja’s most prominent fairs. Every year in the month of Bhadon, the Mela is conducted in Jalandhar (September). Sikhism’s believers regard this day as fortunate. The fair is hosted on the Baba’s Samadhi, which is decorated with rosaries and flowers and features a painted portrait of the Baba. There is a holy tank known as Sodal ka Sarovar. Individuals bathe in the holy waters of the Sarovar and offer offerings to the Samadhi.
