Panj Pyare

[1][2][3] The Panj Pyare are convened for pressing matters in the Sikh community, covering both local and international issues.

[4] The Panj Pyare are also responsible for carrying out the Amrit Sanchar ceremony of baptizing new members into the Khalsa order of Sikhism.

The inaugural group of Panj Piare formed the nucleus of the Khalsa: the first five persons to receive Khanda di Pahul initiation and rites (baptism) of the two-edged sword.

[3] After the formation of the institution of Panj Piare in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh appointed five Sikhs in Nanded to accompany Madho Das (popularly known as Banda Bairagi) on his northwards mission to conquer Sirhind in 1708.

[9] His five beloved ones were Baba Buddha, Paro Julka, Amar Das (later successor), Paida, and Sadharn.

[9] His five beloved ones were Bhai Dargah, Gurbakhsh, Baba Gurditta,[note 1] Sant Ram, and Gurdas.

[2] Guru Gobind Rai was 33 years old when he had divine inspiration to actuate his designs and make an undying legacy.

Every year at the time of Baisakhi (springtime), thousands of devotees would come to Anandpur to pay their obeisance and seek the Guru's blessings.

On Baisakhi Day, March 30, 1699, hundreds of thousands of people gathered around his divine temporal seat at Anandpur Sahib.

The Guru addressed the congregants with a most stirring oration on his divine mission of restoring their faith and preserving the Sikh religion.

All those who receive Amrit from five baptized Sikhs will be infused with the spirit of courage and strength to sacrifice.

Political tyranny and brutality by Islamic Rulers of the day was not the only circumstance that was lowering people's morale.

Discriminatory class distinctions (the Indian "caste" system) were responsible for the people's sense of degradation.

The constitution of the Panj Pyare was the living example of his dream: both the high and low castes were amalgamated into one.

Among the original Panj Pyare, there was one Khatri, shopkeeper; one jat, farmer one Chhimba, calico printer/tailor; one jheewar, one kumhar, water-carrier; and one Nai, a barber.

Baisakhi 1999 marks the 300th anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh's gift of Panth Khalsa to all Sikhs everywhere.