Special DaysReligious Festivals
These are divided up into Melas and Gurpurbs. A Gurpurb is a religious celebration
associated with the anniversary of the birth or death of a Sikh guru. The festivals
of Baisakhi, Diwali, Sangrand and Hola Mohalla are important melas.
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Baisakhi (or Vaisakhi) |
Celebrated on 14 th April and commemorates the foundation of the Sikh Order of
the Khalsa. It is celebrated both as a religious event and as a joyful celebration.
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Martydom of Guru Arjun Dev Ji |
Commemorated on 16 th June when Sikhs often distribute cold drinks to remember
the way that the 5 th Sikh Guru was tortured on burning plates.
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Birthday of Guru Nanak |
Falls in October/November and marks the birth anniversary of the founder of the
Sikh faith.
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Birth of Chorr Divas (Diwali) |
Falls in October/November, and coincides with the traditional Indian Festival
of Lights. The 6 th Guru Hargobind was released from prison and arrives in Amristar
on Dilwali Day with other freed prisoners of conscience.
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Birth of Guru Gobind Singh Ji |
Celebrated on 5 th January marks the birth anniversary of the last living Guru
and founder of the Kalsa.
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Hola Mohalla |
Celebrated on 14 th March, it is the first day of the Sikh religious calendar
and is often marked by sports and martial arts tournaments. |
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