Samvat Khalsa

What is Samvat Khalsa | Uniting Sikh Communities Worldwide

"Samvat Khalsa" refers to a historical era in Sikh history. It began in 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, established the Khalsa Panth (the community of initiated Sikhs) during the Vaisakhi festival. This event marked a significant turning point in Sikhism, as Guru Gobind Singh Ji initiated the Five Beloved Ones (Panj Pyare) and instituted the principles of the Khalsa, including the wearing of the five articles of faith (the Five Ks) and a code of conduct.

The term "Samvat" refers to the Indian calendar system, and "Khalsa" refers to the community of initiated Sikhs. Therefore, "Samvat Khalsa" symbolizes the era or period marked by the establishment of the Khalsa Panth and the principles laid down by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. This event is celebrated annually by Sikhs during the Vaisakhi festival.

Origin:

The Samvat Khalsa calendar system was instituted by Guru Gobind Singh Ji Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, in 1699 CE. It marks a significant event in Sikh history—the creation of the Khalsa Panth (the community of initiated Sikhs) during the Vaisakhi festival of 1699.

Event Significance:

During the Vaisakhi of 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji Ji called upon Sikhs to uphold their faith and principles by being willing to sacrifice their lives for righteousness. He initiated the Khalsa Panth by administering Amrit (sweetened water stirred with a sword) to a group of devout Sikhs. This event transformed Sikhism into a martial faith with a distinct identity and code of conduct.

Calendar System:

The Samvat Khalsa calendar starts from the year of the creation of the Khalsa Panth, which corresponds to 1699 CE. The start of the year is different from the Vikram Samvat or the Islamic Hijri calendar.

Months and Festivals:

The Samvat Khalsa calendar consists of twelve lunar months, each beginning with the new moon. Sikh festivals and Gurpurabs (birthdays of Sikh Gurus), are also observed according to this calendar.

Cultural Significance:

The Samvat Khalsa calendar holds immense cultural and religious significance for the Sikh community. It serves as a reminder of the historical events and spiritual milestones in Sikh history, particularly the formation of the Khalsa Panth and the principles it stands for.

Continued Usage:

Despite the prevalence of the Gregorian calendar in everyday life, the Samvat Khalsa calendar continues to be used by Sikhs worldwide to determine the dates of religious festivals, historical events, and important occasions within the Sikh community.

The Samvat Khalsa calendar system is an integral aspect of Sikh identity and heritage, rooted in the historical formation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji Ji. It serves as a cultural and religious framework for Sikh observances and commemorations, keeping alive the spirit of Sikhism's rich history and traditions.