Growing up, I never found myself identifying with Sikhi, or the values of being a Sikh. Being a mixed-raced individual in the Midlands, my identity was largely moulded by friends, community, school-life and family. Other than the occasional trip to the Gurdwara, the Sikh place of worship, I never connected with that part of my identity. 

It wasn’t until I attended Vaisakhi celebrations during my teenage years that I truly grasped the values of Sikhi and learnt more about the history and teachings of one of the world’s youngest religions – Sikhism was founded just over 500 years ago. I began to understand how the values and principles of Sikhi (like many religions) can be reflected in everyday life, as well as the value offered by faith itself. 

Vaisakhi, traditionally held on 13 or 14 April each year, pre-dates Sikhi and originated as a harvest festival. However, what was once simply a spring harvest festival was adopted by Sikhs as a religious festival and has become one of the most meaningful days in the Sikh calendar. It commemorates the founding of the Khalsa – a community of initiated Sikhs – by the Tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, and is also the time in which the articles of faith that are commonly known to be associated with Sikhi were prescribed. 

Therefore, the value and meaning of this festival for Sikhs goes beyond the origins of its harvest festival but has found deeper meaning in a date which celebrates the Sikh faith and identity. Vaisakhi marks a day of self-service and sacrifice for faith in Sikhi, but it is also a time for celebration and reflection. It is a day for people to come together in their communities and renew their faith. 

Whilst this is most commonly celebrated with Nagar Kirtans, a kind of street procession alight with colour and vibrancy that includes music, the reading of hymns, and langar (a communal meal), it is also time for reflection. I find that this festival is part of the shaping of my understanding of faith and has informed much of my later exploration into Sikhi, such as visiting holy sites in Punjab and identifying as Sikh. For me, Vaisakhi, perhaps unintentionally, showcases the best aspects of the values and principles of Sikhi. 

At this time of year, I often find myself reflecting on what Sikhi means to me and how it has influenced my life. Being Sikh means to always be learning, to seek the truth, to engage in selfless service and to work for the betterment of the community and collective. There is a drive within Sikhi for social justice, to help anyone regardless of their faith or background, offering refuge and food to those less fortunate. It has shaped my understanding of teaching and learning, my core values as a teacher, my personal values, beliefs and beyond.  

When the clocks go forward and the days get longer, the feeling that spring has truly sprung can be felt all around. As with Vaisakhi, it is a time to celebrate the brighter days to come, reflect and be thankful to those who support us, and hold an optimistic hope for the future.  

Jacob Thandi is a Senior University Teacher in Policing at Leeds Trinity University.