Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji is the eighth Guru of the Sikhs and they were the youngest Guru out of all the ten Gurus. Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji was the youngest son of Guru Har Rai Ji, the seventh Sikh Guru, and Mata Krishan Ji. Guru Ji was born on 14th July, 1656 in Kiratpur Sahib. At the age of five, Guru Har Krishan Ji became the youngest Sikh Guru, with the shortest period of Guruship of only 2 years and 5 months. Guru Ji immersed into the Eternal Light before turning eight years of age 6th April 1664 AD at the place which is now Gurdwara Bala Sahib, Delhi.

In 1700, Guru Gobind Singh Ji sent out Hukamnaame (commands) to the Khalsa Panth (collective of initiated Sikhs) to come Tyar Bar Tyar (ready upon ready) to Anandpur Sahib to celebrate the first Holla Mahalla, after the righteous festival of Holi had taken a different path. Guru Gobind Singh Ji themselves got the Khalsa to practice and re-enact battles. There the Khalsa physically trained and prepared for the Jangs (battles) that were yet to come.

Holla Mahalla for us today is a reminder to be Tyar Bar Tyar (ready upon ready), both physically and spiritually. May it be a time of inspiration for us to progress on our journeys towards becoming both a Sant (saint) and a Sipahi (soldier). Holla Mahalla is still celebrated every year at Anandpur Sahib and many other places around the world.

Vand ke Chakna (sharing with others) is an important principle in Sikhi. We should share what we have with others around us, especially the needy. Guru Sahib Ji tells us that hoarding materialistic possessions, being selfish and only looking out for our own needs is not the path of a Sikh.

A Dastar (turban) serves as a constant reminder that God is forever present. It is an insignia of Guru Ji’s teaching that a Sikh must hold a high level of moral responsibility. A Dastar also gives Sikhs their unique identity and it is a royal crown given to Sikhs by the Gurus. A Dastar symbolizes equality and does not discriminate against anyone. 

Do the Different Colors and Styles Mean Anything?

Essentially, no. Some styles, such as the Dumalla (du=two, malla=materials) were more commonly worn by Sikh warriors. Other styles may be more predominant in certain Sikh communities, such as the triangle style for Sikhs from Kenya.

Do All Sikhs Wear a Dastar?

All Sikhs have been ordained to keep their hair; therefore, most practicing Sikhs will wear a Dastar. Sikhi has no age or gender barriers, so women and children can also wear a Dastar. Some women and younger Sikhs may also wear a variety of head coverings such as a Chunni, Rumaal or Patka. 

It is very disrespectful to touch or ask a Sikh to remove their Dastar. A Sikh will only remove the Dastar in extreme circumstances or when showering/sleeping, while still keeping their head covered. It is not headwear but an article of faith. A Sikh will treat Dastar with great respect even when removing it. 

A Rehitnaama is a Sikh code of conduct written by a learned Sikh. Bhai Daya Singh Ji was the first Piaara of the Panj Piaare (Five Beloved), one of the closest companions of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and the one who delivered the Zafarnama (Epistle of Victory) to Aurangzeb. Bhai Daya Singh Ji once requested Guru Gobind Singh Ji to tell the Sangat the code of conduct. Upon listening to Guru Sahib’s response, Bhai Daya Singh Ji wrote this Rehitnaama. There are eight subtopics in this Rehatnaama, 

1. The Process of Administering Amrit (Sikh initiation ceremony), 
2. Rehit for Amritdhari Sikhs (initiated Sikhs), 
3. Rehit for Kes (unshorn hair), 
4. Ideal Measurement for a Kachera (undershorts), 
5. The Fateh of the Guru (Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh), 
6. Who goes to hell
7. What to do when someone slanders the Guru
8. Giving Tankha (religious punishment/consequence)
   

The point of a Rehitnaama is to outline the spiritual discipline for Sikhs. Some of the many disciplines outlined in this Rehitnaama include

• Amrit (Immortal Nectar) must be administered by the Panj Piaare in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
• Sikhs should keep their mind, body and wealth attuned only in Akaal Purakh (the Timeless Being) 
• Kes should be combed twice daily, tied into a bun, a turban is to be tied layer by layer covering the Kes
• Sikhs should say Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh upon meeting each other
  

A Baaj (falcon/hawk) represents the traits of the Khalsa. Below are the eight reasons for Guru Gobind Singh Ji keeping a Baaj:

1. Cannot be enslaved
2. Independent
3. Flies very high but keeps vision low (Humility)
4. Chakarvarti (Always moving and unattached)
5. Never lazy
6. Flies against the wind (Unique)
7. Fearless
8. Royalty (King of the sky)

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