The Khalsa was created on Vaisakhi in 1699 and is still celebrated by millions of Sikhs the world over.

Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi through Nagar Kirtans (Neighbourhood Hymns). These processions involve prayer recital and serving food – sustaining physical and spiritual needs.

Vaisakhi saw Guru Gobind Singh Ji create the Khalsa by initiating the Panj Pyare (five beloved). The Khalsa collective is the eternal physical embodiment of the Guru.

Initiated Sikhs are to be a sant-sipahi (saint-soldier).

The Panj Pyare (five beloved), were all off different castes, signifying the Khalsa views the entire human race as one.

Vaisakhi saw initiated Sikhs given a distinct physical identity to keep; Kesh (unshorn hair kept in a turban), Kirpan (small sword), Kanga (wooden comb), Kashera (undergarment) and Kara (steel bracelet).

Sikhs were given the names Singh (for men) and Kaur (for women) to use after the creation of the Khalsa, names previously only royalty carried.

As well as initiating his Sikhs through baptism, Guru Gobind Singh Ji also asked his Sikhs to baptise Him too.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji realigning power to His people is a rare case of a leader giving powers to his public. This was utilised by the Sikhs when Guru Gobind Singh Ji was humbly requested to save Himself during a battle against the moghul army, when Sikhs were outnumbered by tens of thousands.

Approximately 30 Nagar Kirtans will take place all over Britain, with areas such as Birmingham and London attracting tens of thousands of parishioners.