Every year Sikhs celebrate a religious festival called ‘Vaisakhi’ or ‘Baisakhi’, this year (2022) the festival was held on Thursday 14 April. Vaisakhi marks the beginning of the new year for Sikhs all around the world, where many go to the Gurdwara (the Sikh temple) in order to give thanks and pray to God. On this day, Sikhs remember the bravery and loyalty of the ‘Panj Pyare’ otherwise known as the five beloved ones, consisting of: Bhai Dhaya Singh Ji, Bhai Dharam Singh Ji, Bhai Himmat Singh Ji, Bhai Mohkam Singh Ji, and Bhai Sahib Ji were given this title after Guru Gobind Rai (the tenth Sikh Guru) appointed them on 13 April 1699. On this special day, numerous people gathered in ‘Anandpur’ following the special request by Guru Gobind Rai. They gathered impatiently hoping for wise words during the time where hundreds had faced persecutions for their faith by the Mughals Empire. He then presented himself on the stage with a kirpan (steel or iron sword) asking for whoever was brave and devoted enough to sacrifice themselves for God to step forward. Suddenly, a man named ‘Daya Ram’ stepped forward stating that his love for God was greater than the fear of death. Guru Gobind Rai took the man into a tent and closed it. There was a thud before the Guru, revealed his sword which was covered in blood; this left the crowd shocked and confused about what had just happened. The Guru once again repeated the same question ‘who is still willing to sacrifice himself for God?’, however this time everyone remained silent and still. Another brave man stepped forward and again was guided into the tent, there was a thud and the noise of the kirpan gliding. Fresh blood dripped on the stage which caused a woman to scream in fear, this carried on until five brave men had willingly volunteered to sacrifice their lives for God. The Guru then flipped back the covering of the tent to reveal the five brave men alive and dressed in saffron robes carrying Kirpans. At this moment, the Guru stated that these five men would be referred to as the ’Panj Pyare’ also known as the beloved five. He also stated the five K’s, Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (a steel bangle), Kanga (wooden comb), Kaccha (cotton underwear), and Kirpan (a steel or silver sword) which would be followed by every Sikh. Each of the men were given a drink of Amrit (holy water made from a mixture of sugar and fresh water). Guru Gobind Rai then stated that females were to take the name ‘Kaur’ which meant princess while men are lions therefore ‘Singh’. Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi in order to recognise the bravery of the ‘Panj Pyare’ as well as acknowledge the importance of ‘Kaur’ and ‘Singh’ in their names.