Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti – January 20, 2025

History of Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti

Guru Gobind Singh is an inspirational figure in the history of Sikhism because of his ancestors, as well as the steps he took for Sikhs in his lifetime. Singh was the son of the ninth Sikh guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur. After his father was killed by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, Singh became a Sikh leader when he was merely nine years of age. Throughout his life, he fought against Muslim rulers and the injustices that were committed by them. Singh became such a popular name not only because of his skills as a warrior, but because he lived his life to set an example for others. He not only mastered the art of fighting, but also focused on spreading his philosophical teachings in the Sikh community.

Singh also started the tradition of ‘Khalsa’, which includes ‘Kesh’ (uncut hair), ‘Kangha’ (a wooden comb), Kara (an iron or steel bracelet worn on the wrist), Kripan (a sword or dagger), and ’Kacchera’ (short breeches). This tradition birthed a new ceremony for Sikh warriors whose duty was to protect people from religious persecution. This meant that a Khalsa Sikh was given the title of a Singh, whereas a female was called Kaur. The tradition of Khalsa in Guru Gobind’s life became a way of life and the warriors had to follow a very strict code of conduct. Singh also finalized the “Kartarpur Pothi” — a manuscript of the great Guru Granth Sahib that serves as the primary scripture of Sikhism. In total, Singh fought 13 wars against the Mughal Empire.