Vaisakhi is one of the most-celebrated festivals in Punjab; it recognizes the harvest season and when Guru Gobind Singh Ji established the Khalsa. Here’s a look at this special time in history, and how our students and staff celebrated at MPA this year.
The Story of Vaisakhi
In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib initiated the Amrit ceremony on Vaisakhi, creating the Khalsa Panth of saint soldiers. The Guru requested the Sikhs to congregate at Anandpur on Vaisakhi.
According to the Sikh history, he asked for a volunteer who was prepared to give his life for his faith to come into the tent. One came forward, whom he took inside a tent. The Guru returned to the crowd alone, with a bloody sword. He asked for another volunteer and repeated the same process of returning from the tent without anyone and with a bloodied sword four more times.
After the fifth volunteer went with him into the tent, there was confusion and unease among the crowds. The Guru returned with all five volunteers, all safe. He called them the Panj Pyare and the first Khalsa in the Sikh tradition.
Keshgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib, where this significant historical event took place. Our boarding school students visit this Gurdwara several times a year, including during our week-long Induction Camp to kick off the school year.
The Khalsa vowed to uphold the five K’s: Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (a small comb), Karra (an iron bracelet), Kachera (a white undergarment), and Kirpan (a small curved sword).
MPA students tie their kesh in turbans
The Khalsa, guided by the Guru’s teachings, upheld the values of the Sikh faith, emphasizing equality and devotion to the One Universal Creator. The baptism ceremony, known as Amrit, marked the beginning of a new era for Sikhs, uniting them under the banner of the Khalsa Panth.
At Miri Piri Academy to live the spirit of Vaisakhi every day, and have the motto “Think like a Saint, Act like a Solider.”
Following this path, MPA students practicing Gatka, the ancient form of martial arts practiced by the Gurus
Vaisakhi 2024 celebrations at MPA
This year’s celebration was also an opportunity to celebrate all of the staff who serve MPA and make sure that we live in a graceful and well-maintained environment.
We began the day with a gurdwara service, followed by a presentation on the history of Vaisakhi. After gurdwara, we played games, including musical chairs and tug of war, before concluding with a bhangra performance and delicious meal prepared by the teachers.
