On April 14th 1999, Sikhs all over the world celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of Khalsa Panth (The order of Sikhs). This was the legacy of Guru* Gobind Singh - the 10th Guru of the Sikhs, and a way of life to follow.

During the 17th century, India was under severe persecution by the fanatic Mogul Emperor Aurangzeb, who vowed to convert all of India to Islam. The Sikhs were, and still remain, a religious minority. There was no distinct identity and no defined lifestyle and discipline for the Sikhs. They lived by only one commandment, which was "Jab", i.e., to repeat the name of god. The Sikhs were made of mostly lower caste Hindus and outcast Muslims in the rigidly structured Indian Society of the 17th century, with deep rooted superstition and based on submission to authority.

Guru Nanak - Father of the Sikh Religion.

Guru Gobind Sigh’s father, Guru Tegh Bahadur - the 9th Guru of the Sikhs, was tortured and martyred in an attempt to bring freedom of the religion to India. Hundreds of people gathered around the place where Guru Tegh Bahadur was martyred in Chandani Chowk in Delhi. The executioner abandoned the Guru’s reverend body in the open. No one came forward openly to claim the body to perform religious rites. Even ardent disciples withdrew unrecognized. Taking advantage of the stormy weather that followed, two persons covertly took the guru’s body for cremation. This cowardice fomented in Guru Gobind Singh an urge to endow his Sikhs with distinct identity, courage and strength to sacrifice and fight oppression.

On Baisakhi Day (spring celebrations) on 30th March 1699, hundreds of thousands of people gathered around the divine temporal seat of Guru Gobind Singh at Anandpur Sahib, in Punjab (India). After his inspirational discourse, he flashed his unsheathed sword and said that every great deed was preceded by equally great sacrifice. He demanded one head for oblation. This sent a wave of shock and shiver among his followers. Some even started to disperse. After some trepidation one Kahtri (shopkeeper) offered himself. The guru took him inside a tent. A little later he appeared with his sword dripping with blood and asked for another sacrifice. One by one four more devotees offered themselves. Among them was a Jat (farmer), a Chhimba (washerman), a Ghumar (water carrier) and a Nai (barber).

Thinking their Guru had gone berserk, the congregants started to disperse. Then the Guru emerged with all five men dressed completely piously in white. He baptized the five in a new and unique ceremony called "Pahul or Amrit". He proclaimed the five as "Panj Pyare" - the Five Beloved Ones. The guru then asked the Five Beloved Ones to baptize him as well, thus elevating them to the level that they became the embodiment of Guru themselves. Guru Gobind Singh said, all those who receive Amrit (baptism) from the five baptized Sikhs will be infused with the spirit of courage and strength to sacrifice and stand against oppression. At the same time he gave his followers a unique and indisputable identity. The Guru gave the gift of "Bana", the distinctive Sikh clothing and headwear. He also offered five emblems of purity and courage. These include "Kesh": unshorn hair and beard, as an act of surrender to God and recognizing he is the perfect creator and not alter his form; "Kangha": wooden comb, a reminder to keep oneself clean and tidy; "Karra": iron or steel bracelet symbolizing bondage to God; "Kirpan": the sword, to stand for the righteousness and to defend one’s honor or the honor of those who are unable to defend themselves, and "Kachera": a unique underwear or shorts as a reminder to remain chaste and not to engage in sexual activity outside marriage. By being identified, no Sikh would ever hide behind cowardice again.

The Guru also gave the Surname of "Singh" (Lion) to every male Sikh and "Kaur" (Princess) to every female Sikh. The Guru himself became Guru Gobind Singh from Guru Gobind Rai. Thus with these principles he established the Khalsa Panth, the order of Pure Ones. A brotherhood and sisterhood of people who are dedicated to manifesting and upholding the excellence of mankind. A self governing society based on equality, with a powerful and honorable code of conduct.

The year 1999 marks the Tri-centenary of the birth of Khalsa, for Sikhs this is a significant year and deserves to be celebrated, and is being celebrated throughout the world.

The Sikh Community in Pattaya will also celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of Khalsa at the Sikh Temple, Soi 17, South Pattaya. The celebrations start on Sunday 11th April 1999 - Shabad and Gurbari (Sikh prayers & hymns). Competition Monday 12th April 1999 - Arabh Siri Akand Path (A continuous 48 hours recitation of holy book of Sikhs). Wednesday 14th April 1999 - Bhog Siri Akhand Path, Shabad, Kirtan etc., Guru ka Langar

(Free Community Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner will be provided on the 12th, 13th and 14th April 1999)

Sikh Temple, Pattaya, Siri Guru Nanak Clinic, Soi 17, South Pattaya. Tel: (038) 424 400

Guru Gobind Singh.

"I establish thee as my son, that you spread My Path. Go and instruct men in Righteousness and the Moral Law, and make people desist from evil."

I stood up, with joined palms, and bowing my head to Lord God, I said: Thy Path I shall spread only if Thou be at my back.