The Khalsa Panth is the spiritual and collective body of initiated Sikhs, founded in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru.

At a time when Sikhs faced brutal persecution, Guru Gobind Singh transformed the community into the Khalsa—meaning “the Pure”—a brotherhood of saint-soldiers committed to upholding justice, defending the oppressed, and living a life of devotion, discipline, and equality.

On the historic day of Vaisakhi in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh called upon Sikhs to step forward, willing to give their lives for truth. Five did—and they became the first Khalsa, known as the Panj Pyare or "Beloved Five." To everyone’s astonishment, Guru Gobind Singh then bowed before them and took initiation himself, showing that in the Khalsa, leadership and humility go hand in hand (Cole & Sambhi, The Sikhs, 1995).

Initiated members of the Khalsa follow a code of conduct, wear the Five Ks, and commit to high ethical standards—honesty, service, and courage. They take new names: Singh (“lion”) for men and Kaur (“princess”) for women—erasing caste and social divisions (McLeod, Sikhism, 1997).

Importantly, the Khalsa Panth is not just a religious order; it’s a living symbol of Sikh ideals. It empowers individuals to stand up for righteousness, not through hatred, but through love guided by faith. For Sikhs, joining the Khalsa is a sacred commitment—a vow to live boldly, truthfully, and in service of humanity.

Sources:

• Cole, W. Owen & Sambhi, Piara Singh. The Sikhs. Sussex Academic Press, 1995.

• McLeod, W.H. Sikhism. Penguin, 1997.

• Singh, Khushwant. The Sikhs. Rupa Publications, 2006.