Creating the Khalsa - On the 1st of the Nanakshahi month Vaisakh in 1699 AD, Guru Gobind Singh Ji asked the congregation of hundreds of thousands of Sikhs “Is there any child of a Sikh, who is willing to give their head?” One-by-one, Guru Sahib asked for five Sikhs who would give their head to the Guru. Guru Sahib took them inside a tent, and some time later, emerged with blood on the sword. Just as the congregation started to disperse, fearing their Guru had gone rogue, Guru Sahib emerged with these five Singhs who were now known as the Panj Pyare (five beloved ones). Guru Sahib had offered them Amrit (ambrosial nectar) inside the tent. After they had received Amrit, they together offered Guru Gobind Singh Ji Amrit.The Panj Pyare are the leadership of the Khalsa—the Guru’s army of the immaculate. The mission of the Khalsa is to work towards “degh tegh fateh” or “food freedom victory” for everyone, regardless of gender, faith, caste or race. Through the Vaisakhi of 1699 and creation of the Khalsa, Guru Gobind Singh Ji solidified the Sikhi ideal of Sant-Sipahi (saint-soldier).