Happy Vaisakhi - Meet Harjinder and Inderpreet and hear their reflections on what Vaisakhi means to them.
Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh (The Khalsa belongs to God, Victory belongs to God)
History
Vaisakhi is one of the most important times in the Sikh calendar. It is a time to re-energise personal commitments to live and practice the principles of the Sikh faith and for many it's also a time to become formally initiated into the Sikh faith.
Vaisakhi has often been misrepresented as the new year or a harvest festival for Sikhs. Vaisakhi is the most meaningful date in the Sikh Calendar representing the creation of the Khalsa panth (nation) by the Sikh's 10th Guru - Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The Khalsa panth was inaugurated in April 1699 at Anandpur Sahib, Punjab.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji tested the commitment of thousands of Sikhs. The first five to pass his test, were initiated into a new order, called the Khalsa - which means both "Pure" and "Sovereign". These five men came to be known as the Panj Pyare (five beloved). The Khalsa represents the collective body of committed initiated Sikhs - both male and female.
Sikhs are initiated into the Khalsa through the Amrit Sanchar ceremony, which is why Khalsa Sikhs are referred to as Amritdhari. The Khalsa were created to fight oppression, uphold freedom and support basic needs (food, clothing, health and education) for all people no matter their faith, caste or creed.
The initiation ceremony involves the Panj Pyare preparing Amrit (holy water) in a bowl where sugar crystals are added and stirred with a double-edged sword as the five prayers of morning Nitnem (daily routine) are recited. The nectar of immortality is then administrated to those who are ready to commit their lives to being a Khalsa.
Meet Harjinder and Inderpreet and hear their reflections on what Vaisakhi means to them.
Inderpreet's Story
Hello, my name is Inderpreet Singh and I am a Communities Support Officer within CED.
Personally speaking, Vaisakhi for me is a time to commemorate the principles my faith has instilled in me. Vaisakhi is opportunity for deep introspection into my very essence, I reflect on what I have learned in the past year and what I have yet to learn about myself.
Celebrations
Like many thousands of Sikhs across Scotland, I will celebrate Vaisakhi by participating in Glasgow's Nagar Kirtan, by a procession through local neighbourhoods visiting each of the Glasgow's four gurdwaras. The Nagar Kirtan is led by the Panj Pyare (five initiated Sikhs) followed by the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Sikh scriptural Guru, carried on a float, which is the main focus of the procession. Gurbani (Hymns) is sung, langar (free food) is served and there be displays of Sikh martial arts too.
This year, Vaisakhi falls on the 13 of April 2025. Like every year I will be celebrating Vaisakhi by attending my local Nagar Kirtan in Glasgow which takes place on Sunday the 6th of April 2025 from 9:30am. The procession starts at Gurdwara Guru Granth Sahib JI, Albert Drive G41 and ends at Central Gurdwara Singh Sabha (Berkeley Street).
Vaisakhi is not merely an initiation ceremony but a celebration that allows me to gain strength. By attending the Nagar Kirtan, it allows me to grow closer with my faith and community and be the best version of myself. To be a Khalsa.
Harjinder's Story
Hello, my name is Harjinder Gharyal and a Divisional Director within NRS.
Vaisakhi for me is very special time of year. As an Amritdhari, it's a time to rejuvenate my personal vow to the 10th Sikh Guru to uphold truthful living through Kirat Karo (to work and earn and honest living), Vand Shako (sharing with and helping others) and Naam Japo (spiritual meditation). I will be attending my local gurdwara, along with my family, dressed in our finest traditional clothes and a chance to wear one of my brightly coloured turbans!
Vaisakhi for me is a beautiful spiritual experience - listening and understanding the readings and discourse from the holy scriptures - and my favourite part, participating with all the congregation, in the singing of divine Gurbani which are all written in poetry form. Singing in congregation is regarded as the fastest way to experience and fall in love with God.
I'm looking forward to celebrating Vaisakhi with my family, friends and connect and support the wider community enjoy blessings of the Guru's langar.
What - not even water? - Meet Kalim and Ifran and hear their reflections on what Ramadan means to them
Salaam aleikum (Peace be upon you)
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It's when Muslims all over the world spend 30 days fasting from sunrise to sunset. Ramadan is also a time for reflection, discipline, extra prayers, charity, kindness, family and community. More Muslims actively fast in Ramadan than pray or observe their religion throughout the year. Not all Muslims fast, some choose not too and others cannot due to health reasons.
During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating or drinking, including water, from sunrise to sunset. The fast begins just before dawn with a light meal called Suhoor and ends at sunset when the call to prayer called Maghrib Adhan is announced. Eating a date with some water, is the most popular way to conclude the fast. The time when the fast ends is known as Iftar.
Ramadan ends with a festival Eid al-Fitr. This year it begins Friday 28 February, and it will approximately end in the evening Sunday 30 (exact dates are subject to sightings of the moon).
Meet Kalim and Ifran - members of our BAME Employee Network. Here are their reflections on what Ramadan means to them.
Kalim's Story
Hello, my name is Kalim and I am an Operations Manager within NRS.
What makes Ramadan so special for me, is when family and friends come together to open their fast, have a meal and spend time together at Iftar.
During this month, adjustments to lifestyle can be challenging. One challenge for me is giving up caffeine, so I have learned to wean myself off coffee a month before Ramadan starts. Another challenge is lack of sleep, waking up just before sunrise to eat and then trying to go back to sleep isn't always easy. I have fond memories of my parents dragging me out of bed just before sunrise and now I do the same with my teenagers. The most common question I'm asked is "what? Not even water?"
However, for me Ramadan is a time for reflection and charity. It reminds me to think of others who are less fortunate than me, appreciate what I have in life and not take it for granted.
It's important to carry on as normal during Ramadan, however, I do have to make some lifestyle changes. I might not cycle to work as often; I coach my son's football team, and I make sure to bring food and drink with me if we need to break our fast during that session. I also visit the Mosque more regularly.
Ramadan Mubarak.
Irfan's Story
Hello, my name is Irfan and I'm a Monitoring Officer in Chief Executive's Department.
Ramadan for me, is a time for communal prayer, spiritual reflection, meals with extended family and friends at Iftar, making closer bonds with family and friends and mending relationships. It is also a time for remembering loved ones.
During Ramadan I remember my mother who passed away in recent years. I remember how she would chase me out of bed before sunrise as I now do the same with my kids. Despite its challenges, my family adore this month. The sense of giving, charity and belonging. We enjoy sharing food with our neighbours of all faiths as we follow our faith.
The pre-dawn meal (suhoor) requires me to wake up much earlier than usual. Evening prayers at the Mosque can go on late into the night and this may lead to additional sleep cycle disruption for some. I do think it is important to carry on as normal, attending work but some adjustments might be needed. Staff may request flexible working patterns to accommodate for these changes in routine. My son plays cricket and I ensure he that he takes with food with him to break his fast during training sessions. This is an example of one of the adjustments that I make myself.
One thing that I do want to highlight is that fasting during Ramadan is an obligation on all Muslims who are able to fast as it is 1 of the 5 Pillars of Islam. Muslims must pay Kaffarah or Fidya if missing these fundamental aspects of Islam. Charity and these compulsory payments, emphasise how important an aspect of Islam Ramadan is.
Ramadan Mubarak
Both Kalim and Irfan wanted to say...
"So just in case you may be wondering why some of your colleagues are looking a bit tired maybe less cheery than usual then spare a thought for them! No Water, NO CAFFEINE, and certainly No Fish Suppers at lunch time can have an impact. We hope our colleagues and managers will understand this. It really helps when managers are able to allow us to work flexibly - If we are not taking a full lunch break can we start later or finish earlier? Can we maybe take some annual leave at this time? Is there a potential to adjust some of our duties?"
More information on Ramadan, how to support a colleague and guidance for managers can be found on our Ramadan Factsheet.
