Vaisakhi

This morning managed to get tickets to Mumbai on tomorrow night's train, only 34hours...which meant that my unexpected day could be spent here in Amritsar...far preferable to Mumbai.

A gentle day until evening. Spent most of afternoon in bazaar and then sunset at the Durgiana temple. Later decided to go to the golden temple for an hour, wholly ignorant of the importance of the day....entering I noted it was busier, much busier and that there were candles lining the holy tank...and then came the firework display over the golden temple. A bit amazing that was....and so my last full day in the same location ends...for a while..but what a send off...

Incredible India :-)


Vaisakhi (also spelled Baisakhi) is the festival which celebrates the founding of the Sikh community known as the Khalsa. It is celebrated on April 14 each year. On Vaisakhi day in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh summoned Sikhs from all over India to the city of Anandpur Sahib. At this gathering, the Guru called upon Sikhs to uphold their faith and preserve the Sikh religion. Guru Gobind Singh then lifted his sword and asked that anyone prepared to give his life for his faith to come forward. There was a big silence, but the Guru went on repeating his demand. One Sikh finally came forward and followed the Guru into a tent. Shortly after, the Guru reappeared alone with his sword covered in blood, and asked for a second volunteer. Another Sikh stepped forward and again the Guru took him into the tent, and re-appeared alone with his sword covered with blood. This was repeated until five Sikhs had offered their heads for the Guru. Finally, the Guru emerged from the tent with all five men dressed piously in blue. Guru Gobind Singh called the five Sikhs the Panj Pyare, the Five Beloved Ones.