Page 104 - BAALVARDI TEACHER RESOURCE

Vaisakhi Discussion:

- A special day for Sikhs is here, ask the children if they know what it is. Ask

the children which Guru Ji helped us celebrate the very first Vaisakhi.
Vaisakhi is the day Guru Gobind Singh Ji made the Khalsa Panth. What
does Khalsa mean? Derived from the word khalis, means pure.

- The first Vaisakhi was celebrated in 1699, over 300 years ago, in Anandpur
Sahib. Vaisakhi is celebrated on April 14th every year.

- On Vaisakhi Day in 1699, Guru Ji gave us 5 gifts - 5 Kakkars. Ask children if
they can remember what these are and what they mean.

• kara - be good and honest
• kirpan - be brave and strong, help others
• kes - remember Waheguru
• kangha - be tidy and clean
• kach-hera - be good and stay active

- Guru Ji also gave us special names. Ask if they know what special last

name all boys were given, what name all girls were given.
• Boys and men were given the last name SINGH; Singh means lion.
Sikh warriors were brave fighters and were compared to lions.
• Girls and women were given the last name KAUR; Kaur means
princess. Guru Ji gave the name Kaur to show them that they were
brave and equal to men.
• Have the Kaurs in class stand up, ask the class to collectively say a
jakara for the the girls. Repeat for the Singhs.

- By giving us the 5Ks and special names, Singh and Kaur, Guru Ji made us
“Strong as Steel & Steady as Stone” just like a superhero. What kind of
powers does a superhero have?
• brave, strong, have courage, kind, share with others, honest, tell the
truth, fair.
• Sikhs have the same qualities as superheroes!

- Also helps us remember to follow the 3 Golden Rules. Ask the children if
they remember what they are and what they mean.
• Naam Japna - remember Waheguru
• Kirat Karna - share with others
• Vand Chhakna - share with others

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