This month we are speaking with those in our communities who are celebrating Vaisakhi. It started as a harvest festival in the Punjabi region of northern India and has been celebrated for more than 300 years. In 1699, the celebration coincided with the creation of the Khalsa Order. It promotes justice and equality and the creation of a more equal and fair society. Members commit to wearing the five articles of faith and practice daily meditation.
Below we catch up with Mr and Mrs Virdi based in Chatham, Kent who share with us how they celebrate this special holiday and what it means to them.
Mr and Mrs Virdi, their story…
After a 22-year stint in the army where Mr Virdi was a Rank CQMH (Company Quarter Master Havildar Major), Senior NCOs Rank and a priest, Mr Virdi made the decision to move to the UK.
“I have always devoted my life to Sikhi and when moving the UK in 1993 I came as a priest, and I am now based at the local temple on a part time basis.”
His wife later joined him in the UK in 2000, and they both became Orbit customers in 2010. Mrs Virdi is a housewife with a passion for crochet and knitting which she learnt at a young age and still follows now. They have four children together who are based around the world, two of which are in India, one in Canada and the other is here in the UK.
Read on to see how they celebrate Vaisakhi!
What does it mean to you?
As part of Vaisakhi there is a three-day prayer where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Sikh Holy Book) will be read from cover to cover, for the full 72 hour period. This is often in three-hour stints read by each of the priests. As a priest himself Mr Virdi will often attend the temple to take part in the reading. Mrs Virdi would also be heavily involved with the organisations and food coordinations.
“We love to celebrate our ‘Christmas’ by going to the Gurdwara (Sikh Temple) and do Seva (selfless service), whether its preparing food in the vegetarian kitchen, or listening to prayers and hymns.”
Mr and Mrs Virdi also take part in a Nagar Kirtan. Traditionally the procession is led by the saffron-robed Panj Piare (the five beloved of the Guru), who are followed by the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy Sikh scripture which is placed on a float. At times these Nagar Kirtans can be long walk from Gurdwara to Gurdwara collecting worshippers on the way. (Example Photo of Nagar Kirtan Provided)
“We celebrate with our community and loved ones and then we end the day with fireworks and a celebration of Langar”
A bit more information about Vaisakhi…
In April 1699 the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji tested the commitment of thousands of Sikhs. The first five to pass his test, were initiated into a new order, called the Khalsa. These five men came to be known as the Panj Pyare (five beloved). *
For more information and to download your very own leaflet and fact sheet visit Sikhpa.
*taken directly from Sikhpa
Sikhism is one of the largest religions in the world and it is great to understand how it is celebrated in our communities. Share your own experiences and photos with your community on our social media. Just search @OrbitHelp on Facebook and Twitter.
