Khalsa

The initiated Sikh community established by Guru Gobind Singh at Anandpur Sahib in 1699. Its members commit to Sikh discipline and traditionally bear the Five Ks.

Sikhism: A monotheistic religion founded in Punjab by Guru Nanak in the fifteenth century. The Khalsa is a community within Sikhism, shaped by its teachings and institutions.
Vaisakhi: A spring harvest festival celebrated across South Asia and a major Sikh observance associated with the Khalsa’s founding. Guru Gobind Singh announced the Khalsa at a Vaisakhi gathering in 1699.
Sikh martial tradition: The history and practice of armed defense and martial training among Sikhs. The Khalsa’s founding joined spiritual discipline with readiness to defend the community.
Guru Granth Sahib: The central Sikh scripture, regarded by Sikhs as the eternal living Guru. After Guru Gobind Singh, authority rests with the scripture and the Sikh community rather than a human Guru.
Guru Gobind Singh: The tenth Sikh Guru, who founded the Khalsa in 1699. He established the Khalsa and set out its initiation and discipline.
Anandpur Sahib: A Sikh holy city in Punjab founded by Guru Tegh Bahadur and associated with Guru Gobind Singh. The 1699 founding ceremony took place at Anandpur Sahib.
Nihang: A Sikh warrior order known for distinctive blue dress, martial traditions, and strict discipline. Nihangs preserve a distinctive martial expression of Khalsa tradition.
Sarbat Khalsa: A traditional assembly of Sikhs convened to deliberate on matters affecting the community. Collective deliberation became a way for the Khalsa to address shared concerns.
Amrit Sanchar: The Sikh initiation ceremony in which candidates receive amrit and enter the Khalsa. This ceremony marks formal entry into the Khalsa.
Panj Pyare: The Five Beloved Ones, the first men initiated into the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. Their initiation inaugurated the Khalsa and established its founding model.

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