Sahibe Kamal – 9

In dedication to Guru Gobind singh ji

Guru Gobind Singh ji had the grand concept of creation of Khalsa was evident from his Hukamnamas( Messages) that he sent to his Sangat all over the country. One of them was his dictate that asked his men to grow kesh (hair) and beard. Baisakhi is one of the most popular festivals of North and it is celebrated on the first day of month vaishakh according to lunar calendar. It is celebrated to mark the onset of harvest festival and therefore has an importance for rural folk. From Guru Amardas ji’s time it was celebrated in Gurmat tradition by making an assembly of people and singing the hymns in praise of Almighty. The assembly of people or sangat was irrespective of caste and class. This tradition of celebrating Baisakhi continued till the time of Guru Gobind Singh ji and became special festivals of Sikhs. With the new lunar year, harvest of rabi crops, changing of weather from harsh winter into mild spring brought happiness all over. Before indulging in hectic activities of harvesting, marketing the agricultural produce and preparing the land for next season farmers have plenty of time for assembly (sadh-sangat and jodmela) that is why this festival was given so much importance. This time was important for the Sikh missionary work and preaching of Guru Nanak’s teachings. The Baisakhi festival was also celebrated at Anandpur Sahib with large congregation by singing hymns from Granth Sahib and a Kavi- darbar of poets. Much before the Baisakhi of year 1699 Guruji sent messages all over the country for his Sikhs to come over to Anandpur Sahib on Baisakhi day. Sikhs from near and far off places from all over the country started assembling at Anandpur Sahib. He asked his men to make large scale preparations. Days before the Baisakhi after morning assembly Guruji would sit in meditation for long intervals. There was silence in the air and people felt the atmosphere becoming mystic and magical. He had not shared his plan with anyone so the air was full of expectation to know what is going to happen. Outside the fields around Anandpur Sahib were being filled by the guests who camped there. There was a question on everybody’s lips as to why they were asked to assemble. Large tents were erected for the assembly and according to estimates around 20000 people gathered. The air stood still like it happens before a storm. On Baisakhi day people started gathering in the large tents and awaiting Guruji.