Introduction

Guru Gobind Singh's Birthday is one of the most important festivals of the Sikh community. The celebration on this day marks the birth of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last Human Guru of Sikh. The festival is celebrated with religious fervor though encompassing all other religions. According to the Nanakshahi Calendar, Guru Gobind Singh’s Birthday is celebrated January 5 anually.

The Life and Teachings of Guru Gobind Singh

Guru Gobind Singh was born on 22 December 1666 at Patna Sahib now in the state of Bihar. He became the tenth Guru of Sikh on the date 11 November 1675 succeeding his father Guru Teg Bahadur. Guru Gobind Singh was the inspiring leader of the Sikh and a Warrior, Poet and Philosopher.

Guru Gobind Singh established Khalsa in the year 1699 with five men form the lower caste. He baptized them with the Amrit (Nectar) and transformed them into Singhs; the marital community. Throughout his life, Guru Gobind Singh fought against the Mughal oppression and the social injustices and dogmas prevalent at that time in the society. The establishment of Khalsa is one of the most important events in the history of Sikh religion. It is said to have given new identity to the Sikh community. Guru Gobind Singh propagated new code of conduct for the Baptized the Sikhs to make them a pure one. A new way of clothing for the Sikh was formulated representing the ideals of Guru Gobind Singh. The five emblems of Baptized Sikhs were the five Ks namely Kesh, (unshorn hair), Kangha, (the wooden comb) Karra, (the iron or steel bracelet), Kirpan (the sword) and Kachera (the underwear).

Guru Gobind Singh also declared Guru Granth Sahib; the Holi scripture of the Sikh as the permanent Guru of the community after him. Thus the life and teaching of the saint have a great influence on the Sikhs and his birthday is as the result celebrated with all pomp and show.