Festivals in Sikhism

This section explains Festivals in Sikhism. Festivals hold significant cultural and spiritual importance in Sikhism. They are moments of celebration, joy, and reflection, providing Sikhs with an opportunity to strengthen their faith and deepen their connection with the teachings of the Gurus. These festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm by Sikh communities around the world, and they often bring people together in a spirit of unity, service, and devotion. Below are some of the most important festivals in Sikhism, each one highlighting key aspects of Sikh history, values, and beliefs.

Gurpurbs

Gurpurbs are the festivals that commemorate the anniversaries of the births or the martyrdoms of the Sikh Gurus. These events are significant because they serve as reminders of the enduring legacy of the Gurus and their teachings. Sikhs gather together to celebrate these occasions, reflecting on the life and sacrifices of the Gurus and reaffirming their commitment to the principles of Sikhism. While there are numerous Gurpurbs throughout the year, the four most widely celebrated are:

1. The Birthday of Guru Nanak (October/November):
   Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, is celebrated for his spiritual wisdom and for teaching the principles of equality, humility, and devotion to Waheguru (God). Guru Nanak’s birthday is an occasion for Sikhs to reflect on his messages of peace, unity, and the importance of living a truthful life.
2. The Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh (December/January):
   Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru, is remembered for his leadership, bravery, and for establishing the Khalsa in 1699, a collective body of Sikhs committed to living according to the highest moral and spiritual standards. His birthday is an opportunity to celebrate his contributions to Sikhism and his role in upholding justice and equality.
3. The Martyrdom of Guru Arjan (May/June):
   Guru Arjan, the fifth Guru, was martyred for refusing to alter his teachings under the orders of the Mughal emperor Jahangir. His martyrdom marked a significant moment in Sikh history, highlighting the courage to stand firm in one’s beliefs in the face of oppression. This festival serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for truth, justice, and religious freedom.
4. The Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur (November/December):
   Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru, was martyred for refusing to convert to Islam under pressure from the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. He is remembered for his steadfast commitment to defending religious freedom and the rights of all individuals to practice their faith. His martyrdom is a poignant reminder of the Sikh commitment to fighting for religious tolerance and the protection of others’ rights to freedom of belief.

The Significance of Gurpurbs

Gurpurbs are an essential part of Sikh life because they offer a chance to celebrate the profound contributions of the Gurus. These celebrations help Sikhs reconnect with the core values of Sikhism, such as equality, justice, humility, and selflessness. They also provide an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by the Gurus, and the ways in which they dedicated their lives to spreading the message of Waheguru. Furthermore, Gurpurbs foster a sense of community, bringing together Sikhs from all walks of life, as well as offering an opportunity to share the faith with the wider community. During these celebrations, the sangat (congregation) comes together for prayer, kirtan (devotional singing), and sewa (selfless service), all of which strengthen the bond of the Sikh community.

Divali

Divali (also known as Diwali) is a festival of light celebrated by Sikhs, Hindus, and other communities in India and around the world. For Sikhs, it carries a special significance beyond its traditional association with the victory of good over evil. Divali marks the celebration of freedom, particularly the freedom achieved by Guru Hargobind, the sixth Guru, and is a time for Sikhs to reflect on the themes of liberation, justice, and equality.

The Significance of Divali for Sikhs

• The Liberation of Guru Hargobind:
  One of the most important events associated with Divali for Sikhs is the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment. Guru Hargobind was imprisoned by the Mughal emperor, Jahangir, along with 52 Hindu princes. Upon his release, Guru Hargobind refused to leave the prison unless the princes were also freed. The emperor agreed that anyone who could hold onto the Guru's cloak as he walked out of the prison would be set free. Guru Hargobind had 52 tassels on his cloak, and each prince held onto one, ensuring that all 52 were freed. This event is celebrated by Sikhs as a victory for freedom and justice.
• The Return to the Golden Temple:
  After being released from prison, Guru Hargobind returned to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, where he was greeted by thousands of Sikhs who had decorated the temple with lights to mark his return. For Sikhs, this event symbolises the triumph of righteousness and the importance of standing up against oppression. Divali thus serves as a reminder of the courage and sacrifice displayed by Guru Hargobind.
• Martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh:
  Divali also holds significance for Sikhs due to the martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh, who was the granthi (priest) of the Golden Temple. Bhai Mani Singh transcribed the final version of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture, and was martyred by the Mughal emperor for refusing to pay an excessive tax. The emperor had arranged a celebration at the Golden Temple in exchange for a large tax, but Bhai Mani Singh, after being deceived by the emperor’s plans to kill the Sikhs during the celebration, chose to sacrifice his life in order to protect his community. Bhai Mani Singh’s martyrdom is remembered as an example of selflessness and devotion to the Sikh faith.
• Freedom and Equality:
  Divali also serves as a time for Sikhs to remember the importance of freedom, equality, and justice. Sikhs are reminded to uphold these values in their daily lives, ensuring that they treat all individuals with fairness and dignity, regardless of their background or status. The festival encourages Sikhs to continue their commitment to social justice and the protection of human rights for all.
• The Oneness of Humanity:
  In addition to its historical and spiritual significance, Divali serves as a reminder of the oneness of humanity. The celebration is a time for Sikhs to reflect on the importance of treating everyone with respect and equality, regardless of their race, religion, or social class. It encourages Sikhs to live in harmony with all people and to promote peace and goodwill in the world.

Conclusion

Festivals in Sikhism are deeply intertwined with the faith’s core values of justice, equality, humility, and selflessness. Whether commemorating the lives and sacrifices of the Gurus or celebrating the liberation of individuals, festivals like the Gurpurbs and Divali are vital moments for Sikhs to renew their spiritual commitment, strengthen their sense of community, and reflect on the ongoing relevance of the Gurus’ teachings in their daily lives. These festivals not only serve as a time for personal reflection but also for coming together as a sangat to share in the joy, spirit, and unity that Sikhism promotes.