The Sikh New Year festival is one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar. It marks the start of the Punjabi New Year, but it is also a day to celebrate the birth of the Khalsa. The Khalsa was created on the Vaisakhi of 1699, when the 10th Guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh, organized the Sikh religion in armed resistance to oppression. The Khalsa was given a responsibility to live the life of a Saint-Soldier, committing to a life of both spirituality and social justice. This holiday symbolizes standing up to oppression, and fighting for the rights of all. It occurs during the traditional harvest festival in Punjab.
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This calendar contains Religious Observances and is maintained by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for consideration by those planning campus events, as well as to build awareness of religious and cultural observances.