Featured: Singhni Pride at NYC Annual Sikh Day Parade
Throughout the world Vaisakhi day celebrations take place annually in April commemorating the creation and initiation of Khalsa with the Amrit sanchar baptism ceremony of 1699 . In many locations Sikhs gather for Nagar Kirtan and parade through the streets with Siri Guru Granth Sahib, as they sing devotional hymns. The distinctive appearance of the Khalsa, like these girls displaying Singhni Pride in the Annual NYC Sikh Day Parade Vaisakhi celebration, often arouses the curiosity of spectators.
Many Sikh youth attend gurmat camps which offer instruction in the Khalsa way of life. The words to a marching song popular in Khalsa training camps comment on the Khalsa identity and the way we stand out,
"Everywhere we go - people want to know - who we are...".
Who are we? We are the Khalsa, brotherhood of the pure, soul sisters, wedded brides of Waheguru, slayers of duality, anhad warriors battling the inner voices of ego, champions of the defenseless, the knights of Ik Onkar.
Guru Gobind Singh, tenth guru of the Sikhs, founder of the Khalsa wrote, and a poet, wrote Khalsa Mahima, a composition praising the virtues of the Khalsa:
"The Khalsa is the reflection of my form, The Khalsa is my body and soul, The Khalsa is my very life"....
When is Vaisakhi Day 2012?
All About Vaisakhi Celebrations and History
When is the Annual NYC Sikh Day Parade 2012?
Annual NYC Sikh Day Parade
Join the Discussion
Amritsanchar - Baptism or Initiation
Featured Photos on the Web
Featured Photos Around About.com
Collectibles
Grandparents
Senior Travel
Ancient History
Container Gardening
Holistic Healing
Newlyweds
Entertaining
Astrology
More Sikhism Featured Photos
The term should be as ‘Initiation’ followed by (Amritsanchar) in brackets as written here. The term of christianity need not be used in writings related to Sikh religion. Let the respective religion use its own terms.
I have been feeling drawn to this truthful faith. can someone tell me as a white male who has been practicing islam how can I become a member of this faith? my heart is being drawn to all that I read and I belive. can someone help me. thanks.
Perhaps you would like to visit the Sikhism forum and introduce yourself.(scroll down and follow the link in the left hand coloumn near the end of the page) It might be a bit easier to communicate in that medium and more resources available from a variety of members. Hope to see you there. May Guru guide you and aid you in your quest for truth.
Dear Khalil Siddique
It seems there are two aspects of a religion/faith
1) Core
2) Peripheral
At the Core is practicing the teachings/guidelines of Jesus or Mohammad or Nanak – their message may be addressed at different times/cultures/languages though Message remains
1) eternal
2) Universally applicable
To understand universality of Sikhism one may remain a Muslim or Christian or any other faith and yet be a Sikh. Because as a Sikh all one does is 1) Luv All 2) Serve All. Universality of Sikhism tells us who is and how to be a True Muslim as Guru Guides
ਦਾਨਸਬੰਦੁ ਸੋਈ ਦਿਲਿ ਧੋਵੈ ॥
Dansband soe dil dhovai.
One who cleanses his own mind is wise.
ਮੁਸਲਮਾਣੁ ਸੋਈ ਮਲ ਖੋਵੈ ॥
Musalman soe mal khovai
One who cleanses himself of impurity is a Muslim. Guru-662
About Khalsa
——————–
A Sikh is a learner, student. Guru Blesses one to become Khalsa where the test is passed by the Sikh – a test which is of practicing the truth (which Guru guides as higher than) rather then merely understanding/talking about the Truth.
ਮੁਸਲਮਾਣੁ ਮੋਮ ਦਿਲਿ ਹੋਵੈ ॥
Musalmaṇ mom dil hovay.
To be Muslim is to be kind-hearted,
ਅੰਤਰ ਕੀ ਮਲੁ ਦਿਲ ਤੇ ਧੋਵੈ ॥
Antar ki mal dil tay dhovai
and wash away pollution/filth/dirt ill feelings about others from within the heart. Guru-1084-9
If you are suggesting becoming a member to get blessings of a new God/or another creator who is better than the one you have, then Guru Guides
ਅਲਹੁ ਗੈਬੁ ਸਗਲ ਘਟ ਭੀਤਰਿ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਲੇਹੁ ਬਿਚਾਰੀ॥
Alhu gaib sagal ghat bhitar hirdai leho bichari
Allah is hidden in every heart; reflect upon this in your mind.
ਹਿੰਦੂ ਤੁਰਕ ਦੁਹੂੰ ਮਹਿ ਏਕੈ ਕਹੈ ਕਬੀਰ ਪੁਕਾਰੀ ॥੩॥੭॥੨੯॥
Hindu turak duhuan meh ekai kahai kabir pukari ||3||7||29||
The One Lord is within both Hindu and Muslim; Kabeer proclaims this out loud. ||3||7||29|| 483- 8
Changing one’s own heart and filling it with Luv for all others is the key
I apologize for any miscommunication/ unintended reflection through this post
With Luv & Prayer
It seems like the media should cover more positive things like Khalsa, instead of the negative views of certain groups.
What lovely shining faces.
What cute kids!
I wonder if there is a Vaisakhi Day celebration in our country. I would love to attend this festive event.
Adorable girls! The bright colors they’re wearing are beautiful.
I am glad to know that young Sikhs have the opportunity to meet each other at camps and learn more about their faith together. I think it must be a very helpful experience – they can share stories and meet new friends at an important time in their lives.
you have quite a discussion going on here! I am a firm believer in religious freedom and enjoy seeing the children & other ceremonies you share with us each week. They are informative as well as colorful
)
What beautiful children! Clearly they feel a strong sense of pride participating in the parade. All children should feel that pride in their heritage. It’s a very good thing.
I like the embellishments (beads, pin) on the turbans and the proud way the kids wear them.
Cute kids in colorful outfits. What a great idea to show your pride by holding a parade in NYC even!
What beautiful and colorful outfits !
The girls are so pretty and so are their outfits. Visiting late from WW.
My entries:
Moms…Check Nyo
Yummy-as-can-be