The Khanda

Names and titles

• Emblem of the KhalsaThe Khanda is the insignia of the Khalsa order
• Miri and PiriThe two kirpans stand for temporal and spiritual authority held together
• Deg Tegh FatehThe Sikh slogan that the emblem shows in emblematic form

Feast days

• Bandi Chhor Divas8 November 2026

  Bandi Chhor Divas, the Day of Prisoner Release, remembers Guru Hargobind, the sixth Guru, leaving Gwalior Fort. Sikhs recall that he secured the freedom of 52 imprisoned princes as well. This is the same celebration as item 5.

  How it's celebrated. At Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, devotees bathe in the sarovar, and the complex is lit with lamps and lights. Gurdwaras hold kirtan, Akhand Path, nagar kirtan and langar, and many homes light diyas. The day often coincides with Diwali but is kept for Sikh reasons.

  Sources: Wikipedia: Bandi Chhor Divas · Tribune India: Bandi Chhor Diwas at the Golden Temple · Government of Canada: Statement on Bandi Chhor Divas

• Guru Nanak Gurpurab24 November 2026

  Guru Nanak Gurpurab honours the birth of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru and founder of the Sikh path. It is among the most important days in the Sikh year. This is the same celebration as item 6.

  How it's celebrated. Gurdwaras hold a 48-hour Akhand Path that ends on the morning of the day. The day before, the Panj Pyare lead a nagar kirtan. On the day itself there are kirtan, katha, ardas and langar for all. Homes and gurdwaras are decorated with lights.

  Sources: Wikipedia: Gurpurab · Hans India: Guru Nanak Jayanti, rituals and significance

• Parkash Utsav of Guru Gobind Singh5 January 2027

  The Parkash Utsav of Guru Gobind Singh celebrates the birth of the tenth Guru, who founded the Khalsa. Sikhs also call it a Gurpurab, a holy day tied to a Guru's life.

  How it's celebrated. At Takht Sri Harimandir Sahib in Patna, his birthplace, the three-day observance includes a morning procession, a poetry gathering (Kabi Darbar), a nagar kirtan and a midnight main function. Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar is lit with lamps, and gurdwaras hold Akhand Path, kirtan and langar. Because of calendar differences, communities have at times kept the day on different dates.

  Sources: All India Radio: Prakash Utsav begins in Patna · Tribune India: Parkash Purb at Harmandir Sahib · Tribune India: Parkash Utsav at Patna Sahib (2000)

• Vaisakhi14 April 2027

  Vaisakhi marks the creation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh at Anandpur in 1699, when Sikhs recall that five volunteers became the first Panj Pyare. It is also a spring harvest festival and, traditionally, a new-year day in Punjab.

  How it's celebrated. Gurdwaras hold Akhand Path, kirtan and langar. Sikhs also hold nagar kirtan processions led by the Panj Pyare. The Nishan Sahib flagpole is taken down, bathed and re-dressed with fresh cloth. Many Sikhs take amrit on this day. In Punjab, bhangra and giddha are part of the celebrations. Large public parades take place in diaspora cities.

  Sources: Britannica: Baisakhi · RE:ONLINE: Vaisakhi/Baisakhi · Religion Media Centre: The Sikh festival of Vaisakhi