Panj Pyare ( Punjabi : ਪੰਜ ਪਿਆਰੇ , Pañj Piārē , the five beloved ones ) refers to a gathered ad hoc quintet of five baptised ( Amritdhari ) Khalsa Sikhs who act as institutionalized leaders for the wider Sikh community.
102-589: The Panj Pyare are convened for pressing matters in the Sikh community, covering both local and international issues. The constituent members of a Panj Piare quintet are selected based on meritocratic grounds. They are responsible for leading a Nagar Kirtan procession. The Panj Pyare are also responsible for carrying out the Amrit Sanchar ceremony of baptizing new members into the Khalsa order of Sikhism. Until
204-514: A Shura assembly and choose the caliph based on merit). As the first caliph of the Rashidun caliphate, Abu Bakr was not a monarch and never claimed such a title; nor did any of his three successors. Rather, their election and leadership were based upon merit. After the reforms of Mehmed II , the Ottoman standing army was recruited from the devşirme , a group that took Christian subjects at
306-513: A Vaisakhi fair was held annually since 16th century CE which was attended by around 60,000 pilgrims and Bairagi saints from all over India used to throng the shrine. The Vaisakhi fair is at Thakurdwara of Bhagwan Narainji at Pandori Mahatan village in Gurdaspur district of Punjab where the fair lasts for three days from 1st Vaisakha to 3rd Vaisakha. The celebrations start in form of procession on morning of 1st Vaisakha, carrying Mahant in
408-686: A different agricultural cycle of the paddy crops. During Rangali Bihu there are 7 pinnacle phases: 'Chot', 'Raati', 'Goru', 'Manuh', 'Kutum', 'Mela' and 'Chera'. Pana Sankranti (ପଣା ସଂକ୍ରାନ୍ତି) also known as Maha Vishuba Sankranti marks the Odia new year in Odisha . Celebrations include various types of folk and classical dances, such as the Shiva-related Chhau dance . On this day people hang pieces of Neem branches with leaves in front of their houses believed to have health benefits. They prepare
510-532: A liquid mixture of jaggery, mango, pepper and other ingredients which is called Pana (ପଣା). An earthen pot with a small hole and a grass (କୁୁଶ) within the hole at the bottom is hung over the Tulasi (ତୁୁୁଳସୀ ଚଉରା). The pot is filled with water daily which acts as a drip to protect the sacred plant from the summer heat. Poyla Baishakh is the first day of the Bengali calendar and is celebrated on 14 April every year in
612-567: A mandatory daan (charity) especially of hand fans, water pitchers and seasonal fruits. Community fairs are held at Hindu pilgrimage sites. In many areas, processions of temple deities are taken out. The holiday also marks the worship and propitiation of various deities, such as Durga in Himachal Pradesh, Surya in Bihar, and Vishnu in southern India. Although Vaisakhi began as a grain harvest festival for Hindus and its observance predates
714-459: A palanquin by Brahmacharis and devotees. After that Navgraha Puja is held and charities in money, grains and cows are done. At evening, Sankirtan is held in which Mahant delivers religious discourses and concludes it by distributing prasad of Patashas (candy drops). Pilgrims also take ritual bathings at sacred tank in the shrine. Vaisakhi is an important festival among Dogra Hindus of Jammu region. On this day, people get up early in
816-586: A political ideology and an illusion. As Thomas Piketty notes in his book Capital in the Twenty-First Century "our democratic societies rest on a meritocratic worldview". Accordingly, restricted mobility and the significance of inherited wealth co-exist with the belief in a meritocratic system. Consequently, "the idea of meritocracy has become a key means of cultural legitimation for contemporary capitalist culture", in which wealth and income inequalities are being perpetuated and reproduced. This
918-663: A protesting crowd in Amritsar, an event which would come to be known the Jallianwala Bagh massacre ; the massacre proved influential to the history of the Indian independence movement . This holiday is observed by Sikhs and is known by various regional names in other parts of India. For many Hindu communities, the festival is an occasion to ritually bathe in sacred rivers such as Ganges, Jhelum, and Kaveri, visit temples, meet friends, take part in other festivities, and perform
1020-481: A result of their merits. And since the Safavid society was meritocratic, government offices constantly felt the pressure of being under surveillance and had to make sure they governed in the best interest of their leader, and not merely their own. The concept of meritocracy spread from China to British India during the seventeenth century. The first European power to implement a successful meritocratic civil service
1122-402: A result of their talent and effort. This conception presupposes social mobility and equality of opportunity. On the other hand, meritocracy can be understood as an ideological discourse grounded in different belief systems, that manifest themselves in different forms such as social democratic and neoliberal conceptions of meritocracy. The most common form of meritocratic screening found today
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#17327719703051224-742: A special feature of Baisakhi celebrations but bhangra is an importation from the Punjab and is more secular than religious". The occasion is marked by numerous fairs and people come by the thousands to celebrate Vaisakhi. For example, Airwan in Kathua is known for Vaisakhi fair attended by 10,000 people as per Census 1961. Every year on Baisakhi festival around 15,000 pilgrims pay their obeisance at 700 tear old temple of Subar Nag Devta temple in Bhaderwah . Other places where Vaisakhi fairs are held are Doda Bridge and Ramban . In Himachal Pradesh, Vaisakhi
1326-408: A system is based on performance, as measured through examination or demonstrated achievement. Although the concept of meritocracy has existed for centuries, the first known use of the term was by sociologist Alan Fox in the journal Socialist Commentary in 1956. It was then popularized by sociologist Michael Dunlop Young , who used the term in his dystopian political and satirical book The Rise of
1428-404: A system under which advancement within the system turns on "merits", like performance, intelligence, credentials , and education. These are often determined through evaluations or examinations. In a more general sense, meritocracy can refer to any form of evaluation based on achievement. Like " utilitarian " and " pragmatic ", the word "meritocratic" has also developed a broader connotation, and
1530-476: A unified political state, with Sahib Singh Bedi, a descendant of Guru Nanak , conducting the coronation. Vaisakhi is celebrated in much the same way as Gurpurab , or a Guru's birthday anniversary, with gurdwaras being decorated and attended by Sikhs who listen to kirtan and religious discourses there. Many Sikhs also choose to be inducted into the Khalsa order on this day. After the prayers, karah parshad
1632-406: A young age (8–20 yrs): they were converted to Islam, then schooled for administration or the military Janissaries . This was a meritocracy which "produced from among their alumni four out of five Grand Viziers from this time on". Mehmed II's first grand vizier was Zaganos Pasha , who was of devşirme background as opposed to an aristocrat, and Zaganos Pasha's successor, Mahmud Pasha Angelović ,
1734-630: Is also associated with harvesting, Sikhs in Kashmir mark the day when Guru Gobind Singh baptised the Panj Pyare . Bajan Keertans are held in all gurdwaras in Kashmir. However, the main celebration takes place at Chatti Pathshahi Gurdwara in Rainawari. Sikhs will visit friends and family in Vaisakhi. People will wear special clothes and prepare special food to mark the festival. Sikhs will also visit
1836-426: Is also characterized by the folk dance, Bhangra which traditionally is a harvest dance. Aawat pauni is a tradition associated with harvesting in the Punjab, which involves people getting together to harvest the wheat. A large number of Sikhs visit Paonta Sahib on the festival of Vaisakhi. According to Sahi (1999), Paonta Sahib "was the abode of Guru Gobind Singh Ji for a couple of years." Paanta Sahib Gurdwara
1938-429: Is also known as Baisākhī ), is a very important day for Sikhs and one of the most colourful events in the Sikh calendar. It occurs during mid-April every year and traditionally in Punjab, the festival corresponds with the first harvesting of the crops for the year. Historically, the festival has been a very joyous occasion and a time for celebration. However, since 1699, it has marked the very significant religious event of
2040-483: Is also related to other regional new years such as ' Vishu ' and ' Puthandu ' celebrated in Kerala and Tamil Nadu a day after Vaisakhi. The festivities include fireworks, shopping for new clothes and interesting displays called 'Vishu Kani'. Hindus make arrangements of flowers, grains, fruits which friends and family visit to admire as "lucky sight" ( Vishukkani ). Giving gifts to friends and loved ones, as well as alms to
2142-550: Is also the date for the Indian Solar New Year. For Sikhs, in addition to its significance as the harvest festival, during which Sikhs hold kirtans , visit local gurdwaras, community fairs, hold nagar kirtan processions, raise the Nishan Sahib flag, and gather to socialize and share festive foods, Vaisakhi observes major events in the history of Sikhism and the Indian subcontinent that happened in
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#17327719703052244-490: Is an important festival of Hindus. People get up early in the morning and have a ritual bath. Two earthen lamps are lighted on this day one of Sangiya of oil and other one is Jyot of Ghee . These are kept in a large saucer along with water pot, blades of evergreen turf, Kusha, Incense , Sandal , Vermillion and Dakshina (money). With these things worship of household deities is performed. Alms are given in form of rice and pulses with small coins which are placed near Deity. This
2346-563: Is called Nasrawan and is commonly to family priest. Fried cakes of black gram which are prepared a day before are distributed to neighbours after Puja is completed. Special dishes are prepared on this day. White washing is performed on this day and floors are plastered. This is called Prau lagana . In the evening people enjoy fairs which are organised for three days. Vaisakhi is celebrated with religious fervour in Yamunanagar and Kurukshetra . In Kurukshetra district, Vaisakhi fair
2448-399: Is celebrated on first day of Vaisakha, as per Hindu Solar Calendar. This day is also known as Sattuā or Satwahi , as Sattu is donated and consumed on this day. The common rites during this festival is bath in a river or pond and to eat Sattu and Gur ( Jaggery ). Vaisakhi coincides with the first day of the solar cycle year, that is the solar New Year or Mesha Sankranti which
2550-472: Is equivalent to "Happy New Year". The day is observed as a family time. Households clean up the house, prepare a tray with fruits, flowers and auspicious items, light up the family Puja altar and visit their local temples. People wear new clothes and youngsters go to elders to pay respects and seek their blessings, then the family sits down to a vegetarian feast. In the Mithila region of Bihar and Nepal ,
2652-571: Is held at Baan Ganga Tirtha , which is associated with Arjuna of Mahabharata . There is a Vaisakhi tradition of ritual bath at the sacred tank of Baan Ganga Tirtha in Village Dayalpur of Kurukshetra . A fair is held annually on Vaisakhi at this Hindu pilgrimage. Besides, Haryana government organizes a Vaisakhi festival in Pinjore Garden to commemorate this religious and cultural festival. Vaisakhi or Vaisakhi Sankranti
2754-488: Is held at Takht Kesgarh Sahib on Baisakhi day". A procession is lead through the city of Anandpur to mark the occasion. Other important places where large gatherings take place are Harmandar Sahib, Amritsar and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo. A special celebration takes place at Talwandi Sabo (where Guru Gobind Singh stayed for nine months and completed the recompilation of the Guru Granth Sahib ), in
2856-648: Is in Sirmaur district in Himachal Pradesh . The site is located near the river Yamuna. The tricentenary celebrations to mark the birth of the Khalsa were started from Paanta Sahib Gurdwara in 1999. Gurdwara Dera Nangali Sahib in Jammu was established in 1803. The Gurdwara is situated in the Poonch district of Jammu. An annual gathering takes place at the gurdwara on the on Baisakhi when many people participate in
2958-410: Is not the "stolid mass" or majority, but the "creative minority" or members of the "restless elite". On the other hand, he claims that there are casualties of progress whose influence is underestimated and that, from such stolid adherence to natural science and intelligence, arises arrogance and complacency. This problem is encapsulated in the phrase "Every selection of one is a rejection of many". It
3060-618: Is notable for its solemnity and the general lack of pomp and show that characterize other Hindu festivals of Kerala such as Onam . The festival is marked by family time, preparing colorful auspicious items and viewing these as the first thing on the Vishu day. In particular, Malayali Hindus seek to view the golden blossoms of the Indian laburnum ( Kani Konna ), money or silver items ( Vishukkaineetam ), and rice. The day also attracts firework play by children, wearing new clothes ( Puthukodi ) and
3162-416: Is nowadays applied to merit-based systems of status and reward allocation in distinction to aristocratic or class-based systems, in which inherited factors are the primary determinant for the position of an individual in society. Yet, the concept of meritocracy as a social system has also attracted much criticism. In light of the rising social inequality in the 21st century, scholars have labelled meritocracy
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3264-527: Is sometimes used to refer to any government run by "a ruling or influential class of educated or able people". This is in contrast to the original, condemnatory use of the term in 1958 by Michael Dunlop Young in his work The Rise of the Meritocracy , who was satirizing the ostensibly merit-based Tripartite System of education practiced in the United Kingdom at the time; he claimed that, in
3366-441: Is supported by recent research which shows that, the more unequal a society, the higher the tendency of members of that society to attribute success to meritocracy rather than non-meritocratic variables such as inherited wealth. This illustrates that the contemporary conception of meritocracy is at least twofold. On the one hand, it describes a social system based on the notion that individuals are rewarded and advance in society as
3468-501: Is the college degree. Higher education is an imperfect meritocratic screening system for various reasons, such as lack of uniform standards worldwide, lack of scope (not all occupations and processes are included), and lack of access (some talented people never have an opportunity to participate because of the expenses, disasters or war, most especially in developing countries , health issues or disability). Nonetheless, academic degrees serve some amount of meritocratic screening purpose in
3570-730: Is the day which marks the Hindu Solar New Year as per Vikram Samvat , the Hindu Solar Calendar. Vaisakha is the first month in Nepalese Calendar. The idols of Goddess Thimi Kumari are carried out in palanquins and are taken around the city. Vaisakhi is celebrated by Hindu community and Indian & Nepalese diaspora in United States of America. Every year Nepalese Hindus gather up in traditional outsfits like kurtis and Nepalese caps to observe
3672-832: Is the sum of intelligence and energy; while, for Ieva it is represented by the function between intelligence, culture and experience, to which energy is then added. Imperial China Republic of China (before 1949) People's Republic of China (Mainland) Hong Kong (pro-Beijing) Macau (pro-Beijing) Republic of China (Taiwan, pan-Blue) Hong Kong (pro-Beijing) Hong Kong (centrist) Hong Kong (pro-ROC) Macau (pro-Beijing) Republic of China (Taiwan, pan-Blue) Republic of China (Taiwan, pro-Beijing) Republic of China (Taiwan, other) Hong Kong (pro-Beijing) Hong Kong (pro-ROC) Republic of China (Taiwan, pan-Blue) Republic of China (Taiwan, other) People's Republic of China (Mainland) Hong Kong Republic of China (Taiwan) Overseas Former Some of
3774-432: Is then served to the congregation, and the function ends with a langar , or community lunch. The festival is marked with a nagar kirtan street procession headed by a group of Panj Pyare representatives, and music, singing, and chanting scriptures are part of the celebration. Fairs and melas are held in many places in Punjab to celebrate the formation of the Khalsa. According to Dogra and Dogra (2003), "an annual fair
3876-594: The Gurudwara at Anandpur Sahib the birthplace of the Khalsa , and at the Golden Temple in Amritsar . Vaisakhi is a harvest festival for people of Northern India. Chander and Dogra (2003) state that in Punjab, Vaisakhi marks the ripening of the rabi harvest. According to Dhillon (2015), in Punjab, this day is observed as a thanksgiving day by farmers whereby farmers pay their tribute, thanking God for
3978-536: The Punjab region . Vaisakhi as a major Sikh festival marks the birth of the Khalsa order by Guru Gobind Singh , the tenth Guru of Sikhism, on 13 April 1699. Later, Ranjit Singh was proclaimed as Maharaja of the Sikh Empire on 12 April 1801 (to coincide with Vaisakhi), creating a unified political state. Vaisakhi was also the day when Bengal Army officer Reginald Dyer ordered his troops to shoot into
4080-464: The Qin and Han dynasties developed a meritocratic system in order to maintain power over a large, sprawling empire, it became necessary for the government to maintain a complex network of officials. Prospective officials could come from a rural background and government positions were not restricted to the nobility. Rank was determined by merit, through the civil service examinations , and education became
4182-522: The Sikh religion. After his inspirational discourse, he flashed his unsheathed sword and said that every great deed was preceded by equally great sacrifice: He demanded one head for oblation. "I need a head", he declared. After some trepidation one person offered himself. The Guru took him inside a tent. A little later he reappeared with his sword dripping with blood, and asked for another head. One by one, four more earnest devotees offered their heads. Every time
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4284-466: The Vaisakhi of AD 1699, the Sikh initiation ceremony was known as Charan Pahul . They are responsible for laying the cornerstone of newly built gurdwaras . In a historical sense, the term is used to refer to a collective name given to five men − Bhai Daya Singh , Bhai Dharam Singh , Bhai Himmat Singh , Bhai Mohkam Singh and Bhai Sahib Singh – by the tenth Sikh guru , Guru Gobind Singh during
4386-404: The "Chinese mandarin system". Baisakhi Vaisakhi , also known as Baisakhi , marks the first day of the month of Vaisakh and is traditionally celebrated annually on 13 April and sometimes 14 April. It is seen as a spring harvest celebration primarily in Punjab and Northern India. Whilst it is culturally significant as a festival of harvest, in many parts of India, Vaisakhi
4488-734: The 13th-century, used the Vikram Samvat . Buddhist texts and inscriptions created in the Pala Empire era mention "Vikrama" and the months such as Ashvin , a system found in Sanskrit texts elsewhere in ancient and medieval Indian subcontinent. Puthandu, also known as Puthuvarusham or Tamil New Year , is the first day of the month Chithirai on the Tamil calendar . On this day, Tamil people greet each other by saying "Puttāṇṭu vāḻttukkaḷ!" or "Iṉiya puttāṇṭu nalvāḻttukkaḷ!", which
4590-499: The Baisakhi was going to be a unique affair. He asked them not to cut any of their hair—to come with unshorn hair under their turbans and chunis, and for the men to come with full beards. On Baisakhi Day, March 30, 1699, hundreds of thousands of people gathered around his divine temporal seat at Anandpur Sahib . The Guru addressed the congregants with a most stirring oration on his divine mission of restoring their faith and preserving
4692-545: The British-run East India Company ... company managers hired and promoted employees based on competitive examinations in order to prevent corruption and favoritism. Both Plato and Aristotle advocated meritocracy, Plato in his The Republic , arguing that the wisest should rule, and hence the rulers should be philosopher kings . The Rashidun caliphate succession rule was based on meritocracy (Most renown people for their merit would gather in
4794-587: The Government and People of China , published in 1847, that "the long duration of the Chinese empire is solely and altogether owing to the good government which consists in the advancement of men of talent and merit only", and that the British must reform their civil service by making the institution meritocratic. This practice later was adopted in the late nineteenth century by the British mainland, inspired by
4896-599: The Guru asked those five baptized Sikhs to baptize him as well. This is how he became known as Guru Chela both teacher and student. He then proclaimed that the Panj Pyare—the Five Beloved Ones—would be the embodiment of the Guru himself: "Where there are Panj Pyare, there am I. When the Five meet, they are the holiest of the holy." He said whenever and wherever five baptized (Amritdhari) Sikhs come together,
4998-412: The Guru took a person inside the tent, he came out with a bloodied sword in his hand. Thinking their Guru to have gone berserk, the congregants started to disperse. Then the Guru emerged with all five men dressed in orange suits with a blue bib. (These are the colors of Sikhism). He baptized the five in a new and unique ceremony called pahul, what Sikhs today know as the baptism ceremony called Amrit. Then
5100-797: The Guru would be present. All those who receive Amrit from five baptized Sikhs will be infused with the spirit of courage and strength to sacrifice. Thus with these principles he established Khalsa Panth, the Order of the Pure Ones. At the same time the Guru gave his new Khalsa a unique, indisputable, and distinct identity. The Guru gave the gift of bana, the distinctive Sikh clothing and headwear. He also offered five emblems of purity and courage. These symbols, worn by all baptized Sikhs of both sexes, are popularly known today as Five Ks : By being identifiable, no Sikh could ever hide behind cowardice again. Political tyranny and brutality by Islamic Rulers of
5202-507: The Hindu Solar New Year. The Bengali Hindu Community also celebrates its new year 'Pohela Baisakh' on this day. A Baisakhi Mela or fair is also held where Bengali handicrafts sessions are held. The Bay Area Malayalee Association holds Vishu celebration (Kerala New Year). Event includes Sadhya (Kerala-style feast) and cultural, cinematics and comedy programs, and end with a tea social. Tamil Community also celebrates New Year on this day as Puthandu . Vaisakhi (Punjabi: ਵੈਸਾਖੀ , vaisākhī ,
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#17327719703055304-534: The Hindus, the first day of Vaisakh marks the traditional solar new year, in Assam , Bengal , Bihar , Himachal Pradesh , Haryana , Kerala , Odisha , Punjab Tamil Nadu , Uttar Pradesh , Uttrakhand and other parts of India. However, this is not the universal new year for all Hindus. For some, such as those in and near Gujarat, the new year festivities coincide with the five-day Diwali festival. For others,
5406-516: The Hindus, though the festivities and its significance is similar. It is celebrated by Hindus bathing in sacred rivers, as they believe that river goddess Ganges descended to earth on Vaisakhi from Svarga . Some rivers considered particularly sacred include the Ganges, Jhelum and Kaveri. Hindus visit temples, meet friends and party over festive foods. Vaisakhi is the day when Hindus believe River Goddess Ganga descended on earth from heaven. One of
5508-806: The Immortal) started by Guru Hargobind . Early Sikh military history was dominated by the Nihang, known for their victories where they were heavily outnumbered. Traditionally known for their bravery and ruthlessness in the battlefield, the Nihang once formed the irregular guerrilla squads of the armed forces of the Sikh Empire , the Sikh Khalsa Army . Nihangs mark Vaisakhi in their own unique manner. They will engage in martial arts and participate in Gatkas. They will also exhibit displays of horsemanship. According to Singh and Fenech (2014), Nihangs will move to
5610-580: The Meritocracy in 1958. While the word was coined and popularized as a pejorative , its usage has meliorated. Today the term is often utilised to refer to social systems in which personal advancement and success primarily reflect an individual's capabilities and merits, frequently seen as equality of opportunity . The "most common definition of meritocracy conceptualizes merit in terms of tested competency and ability, and most likely, as measured by IQ or standardized achievement tests". In government and other administrative systems, "meritocracy" refers to
5712-420: The Meritocracy . For Young, merit is defined as intelligence plus effort. As a result, he portrays a fictional meritocratic society as a dystopia, in which social stratification is based solely on intelligence and individual merit, which creates a highly competitive and unequal society. Despite this initial negative connotation, the term meritocracy has gained some positive recognition more recently. As such, it
5814-533: The Meritocracy . Young's essay pictured the United Kingdom under the rule of a government favouring intelligence and aptitude (merit) above all else, being the combination of the root of Latin origin " merit " (from " mereō " meaning "earn") and the Ancient Greek suffix " -cracy " (meaning "power", "rule"). The purely Greek word is axiocracy ( αξιοκρατία ), from axios ( αξιος , worthy) + " -cracy " ( -κρατία , power). In this book
5916-463: The Panj Pyare. Meritocracy List of forms of government Meritocracy ( merit , from Latin mereō , and -cracy , from Ancient Greek κράτος kratos 'strength, power') is the notion of a political system in which economic goods or political power are vested in individual people based on ability and talent, rather than wealth or social class . Advancement in such
6018-519: The Tripartite System, "merit is equated with intelligence-plus-effort, its possessors are identified at an early age and selected for appropriate intensive education, and there is an obsession with quantification, test-scoring, and qualifications". Meritocracy in its wider sense, may be any general act of judgment upon the basis of various demonstrated merits; such acts frequently are described in sociology and psychology . In rhetoric ,
6120-490: The absence of a more refined methodology. Education alone, however, does not constitute a complete system, as meritocracy must automatically confer power and authority, which a degree does not accomplish independently. Although the concept has existed for centuries, the term "meritocracy" is relatively new. It was first used pejoratively by sociologist Alan Fox in 1956, and then by British politician and sociologist Michael Dunlop Young in his 1958 satirical essay The Rise of
6222-418: The abundant harvest and also praying for future prosperity. The harvest festival is celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs. In the Punjab, historically, during the early 20th century, Vaisakhi was a sacred day for Hindus and Sikhs and a secular festival for all Muslims and Christians. In modern times, sometimes Christians in Punjab participate in Baisakhi celebrations along with Hindus and Sikhs. The harvest festival
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#17327719703056324-422: The basis of worth and merit, and not on the basis of birth. It was certainly not an oligarchy , nor was it an aristocracy . Sons of nobles were considered for the succession of their fathers as a mark of respect, but they had to prove themselves worthy of the position. This system avoided an entrenched aristocracy or a caste society. There are numerous recorded accounts of laymen that rose to high official posts as
6426-531: The city of Amritsar on Vaisakhi day. Pakistan has many sites that are of historic importance to the Sikh faith, such as the birthplace of Guru Nanak. These sites attract pilgrims from India and abroad every year on Vaisakhi. Pakistan used to have many more Sikhs, but a vast majority moved to India during the 1947 India-Pakistan partition. Contemporary Pakistan has about 20,000 Sikhs in a total population of about 200 million Pakistanis, or about 0.01%. These Sikhs, and thousands more who arrive from other parts of
6528-548: The creation of Sikhism, it gained historical association with the Sikhs following the inauguration of the Khalsa. Vaisakhi is observed on the 13 or 14 April every year in the 21st century. However, in 1801 AD, it fell on 11 April. This is because the date of Vaisakhi and other Sankrantis keeps changing slowly over years. Vaisakhi would fall on 29 April in Year 2999. The festival coincides with other new year festivals celebrated on
6630-675: The creation of the Khalsa Panth. Vaisakhi falls on the first day of the Vaisakh month and marks the sun's entry to the Mesha Rasi ( Mesha Sankranti ) marking the solar transition to Aries. The day is also described as a sacred festival for Sikhs in India as it marks the birth of the Khalsa. The significance of Vaisakhi as a Sikh religious festival started after the execution of Guru Tegh Bahadur for refusing to convert to Islam under
6732-426: The day was not the only circumstance that was lowering people's morale. Discriminatory class distinctions (the Indian "caste" system) were responsible for the people's sense of degradation. The Guru wanted to eliminate the anomalies caused by the caste system. The constitution of the Panj Pyare was the living example of his dream: both the high and low castes were amalgamated into one. Among the original Panj Pyare, there
6834-549: The day-long function of Baisakhi. Dera Nangali Sahib is known as a centre for Sikhism in Jammu. The other important gurdwara is the Dera Baba Banda which is dedicated to Banda Bahadur. The gurdwara is located near Reasi. Baisakhi celebrations take place at this Dera. Sikhs in Kashmir celebrate Vaisakhi as a religious festival to mark the foundation of the Khalsa. Unlike in the North Indian plains where Vaisalhi
6936-542: The demonstration of one's merit regarding mastery of a particular subject is an essential task most directly related to the Aristotelian term Ethos . The equivalent Aristotelian conception of meritocracy is based upon aristocratic or oligarchic structures, rather than in the context of the modern state . To this day, the origin of the term meritocracy is widely attributed to the British sociologist Michael Young, who used it pejoratively in his book The Rise of
7038-474: The earliest example of an administrative meritocracy, based on civil service examinations, dates back to Ancient China . The concept originates, at least by the sixth century BC, when it was advocated by the Chinese philosopher Confucius , who "invented the notion that those who govern should do so because of merit, not of inherited status. This sets in motion the creation of the imperial examinations and bureaucracies open only to those who passed tests". As
7140-631: The eating a special meal called Sadya , which is a mix of salty, sweet, sour and bitter items. The Vishu arrangement typically includes an image of Vishnu , typically as Krishna . People also visit temples on the day. Bohag Bihu or Rangali Bihu marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year on 13 April. It is celebrated for seven days Vishuva Sankranti (Mesha Sankranti) of the month of Vaisakh or locally 'Bohag' (Bhaskar Calendar). The three primary types of Bihu are Rongali Bihu, Kongali Bihu, and Bhogali Bihu. Each festival historically recognizes
7242-559: The first day of Vaisakh in other regions of the Indian Subcontinent such as Puthandu , Pohela Boishakh , Bohag Bihu , and Vishu . The word Vaisakhi or Baisakhi is an Apabhraṃśa form evolved from the word Vaishākhī (वैशाखी), derived from the name of the Indian month of Vaishakha . There is no distinction between sounds 'sha' (श) & 'sa' (स) and between 'va' (व) & 'ba' (ब) in Prakrit & Apbhramsa . Hence
7344-738: The first five initiates into the Khalsa order, the next five (out of a total of ten) were termed the Panj Mukte ('five martyrs') and are named as follows: According to the Guru Kian Sakhian , after the first ten baptisms ( Panj Piare and Panj Mukte ), around 20,000 men were ready to accept the baptism whilst a few rejected it. The list of men in-sequence who then underwent the Pahul were: Mani Ram , Diwan Bachittar Das, Ude Rai, Anik Das, Ajaib Das, Ajaib Chand, Chaupat Rai, Diwan Dharam Chand, Alam Chand Nachna , and Sahib Ram Koer. This group
7446-561: The folk songs. At Sudhmahadev, this festival is celebrated with great pomp and show where folk singers come down and a competition of folk songs is held. Vendors generally install their shops and stalls of eatables. Many people go to the Nagbani temple to witness the grand New Year celebration. Vaisakhi is also considered "harvest festival" and considered auspicious, especially for marriages. Celebrations of Vaisakhi also include Dogri Bhangra. According to Ganhar (1975), "Bhangra dances are
7548-403: The gardens and markets. The mode of celebration is believed to be different to the way the festival is celebrated elsewhere. The Nihang ( Punjabi : ਨਿਹੰਗ ) or Akali (lit. "the immortals") is an armed Sikh warrior order originating in the Indian subcontinent . Nihang are believed to have originated either from Fateh Singh and the attire he wore or from the " Akali Dal " (lit. Army of
7650-412: The historic and monumental assembly at Anandpur Sahib in the Punjab region of India on March 30, 1699. (The Gregorian calendar skipped 11 days in 1752. So, in present times, Vaisakhi occurs near 13 April every year.) The inaugural group of Panj Piare formed the nucleus of the Khalsa : the first five persons to receive Khanda di Pahul initiation and rites (baptism) of the two-edged sword. They were
7752-475: The inaugural Panj Pyare. However, the term is not limited only to this inaugural group. After them, any group of five baptized Sikhs are also referred to as the Panj Pyare. During the Second Battle of Chamkaur , it was a council of Panj Piare who commanded Guru Gobind Singh to leave the battlefield to preserve his life and continue leading the Sikhs, an order which the Guru obeyed. After the formation of
7854-404: The inaugural quintet that began the institution of Panj Pyare, and who had been appointed by Guru Gobind Singh himself, had been all-male, many Sikhs believe the Panj Pyare can only consist of men and that women cannot be initiated as representatives. However, this is challenged as being against the Sikh belief and practice of gender equality. The 3HO sect of Sikhs allow baptized Sikh women to form
7956-1516: The institute of the Panj Piare beyond this, it is believed he may not have heeded their commands fully and went astray. The idea of five beloved ones predate the formalization of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. Guru Nanak alludes to the institution of "five beloved sons" in his gurbani . "Guru Nanak says, 'In Gurmat (Sikhism) five beloved ones are the sons of the Guru.' Maru M. 1" Throughout Sikh history, there have been five beloved ones during different guruship terms. Examples are given below for some of them: His five beloved ones were Bhai Mardana , Bhai Bala , Bhai Ajita, Bhai Lalo , and Bhai Lehna (later successor). His five beloved ones were Baba Buddha , Paro Julka, Amar Das (later successor), Paida, and Sadharn. His five beloved ones were Baba Buddha, Paro, Malhan, Balu, and Jetha (later successor). His five beloved ones were Baba Buddha, Bidhi Chand , Teeratha, Dharam, and Guria. His five beloved ones were Bidhi Chand, Bhai Jetha, Bhai Langah, Bhai Pirana, and Bhai Pera. His five beloved ones were Bhai Gurdas , Bidhi Chand, Behlo, Kalayana, and Bhallan. His five beloved ones were Bhai Suthra, Feru, Dargah, Bhana, and Bhagta. His five beloved ones were Bhai Dargah, Gurbakhsh, Baba Gurditta, Sant Ram, and Gurdas. His five beloved ones were Dewan Mati Dasa , Gurdita, Bhai Dayala , Bhai Ude, and Bhai Jaita (later baptized as Jiwan Singh). His five beloved ones were
8058-484: The institution of Panj Piare in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh appointed five Sikhs in Nanded to accompany Madho Das (popularly known as Banda Bairagi ) on his northwards mission to conquer Sirhind in 1708. The names of these five Panj Piare were: Binod Singh , Kahan Singh, Baj Singh , Daya Singh, and Ram Singh. Guru Gobind Singh requested Banda to obey the counsel of the Panj Piare but since no accounts of Banda's life mention
8160-641: The key for social mobility. After the fall of the Han dynasty, the nine-rank system was established during the Three Kingdoms period. According to the Princeton Encyclopedia of American History : One of the oldest examples of a merit-based civil service system existed in the imperial bureaucracy of China. Tracing back to 200 B.C., the Han dynasty adopted Confucianism as the basis of its political philosophy and structure, which included
8262-595: The largest Vaisakhi fair in India is held at Haridwar , which is an important Hindu pilgrimage. Around 50 lakhs (5 million) pligrims throng Brahm Kund in Haridwar to take a dip in Ganga river on this festival. In Punjab , the Hindu Shrine of Katas Raj was known for its Vaisakhi fair. It was attended by around 10,000 pilgrims who were mostly Hindus. Similarly, at the shrine of Bairagi Baba Ram Thaman,
8364-420: The morning, throng the rivers, canals, and ponds and take a ritual dip every year on this occasion. In Dogra households, a Puja is performed afterwards and part of food crop is offered to the deities. New fruit of the year is enjoyed on this day. A Ritual Bath at Tawi river during Vaisakhi is common in Jammu. Vaisakhi is celebrated at Udhampur on the bank of Devika river where for three days devotees enjoy
8466-601: The name, Vaisakhi or Baisakhi. Vaisakhi which is observed on Sankranti of Vaisakh ( Vaishakh ) month literally means 'related to Vaisakh month', which in turn is derived from the name of a Nakshatra known as Vishakha . In Punjab region, the word Vaisakhi is common, but in the Dogra regions, and the Doabi and Malwai dialects of Punjab, speakers often substitute a B for a V , so it is known as Baisakhi or Basakhi; also people in Jammu call it Basoa. Traditional For most of
8568-485: The needy, are a tradition of Kerala Hindus on this festive day. Vaisakhi is also related to Bohag (Rongali) Bihu in Assam and as Pohela Boishakh in Bengal , but typically one or two days after Vaisakhi. The following is a list of new year festivals: Vishu is a Hindu festival celebrated on the same day as Vaisakhi in the Indian state of Kerala, and falls on the first day of Malayali month called Medam. The festival
8670-650: The new year falls on Cheti Chand , Gudi Padwa and Ugadi which falls a few weeks earlier. The harvest is complete and crops ready to sell, representing a time of plenty for the farmers. Fairs and special thanksgiving pujas (prayers) are common in the Hindu tradition. It is available in the Vanis of the saints that in Satlok, the Vaisakhi-like atmosphere always remains there. It is regionally known by many names among
8772-435: The new year is celebrated as Jur Sital. It is traditional to use lotus leaves to serve sattu (powdered meal derived from grains of red gram and jau (Hordeum vulgare) and other ingredients) to the family members. Vaisakhi is an important among Pakistani Hindus. In Undivided Punjab , the Hindu Shrine of Katas Raj was known for its Vaisakhi fair. It was attended by around 10,000 pilgrims who were mostly Hindus. Similarly, at
8874-549: The orders of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb . This triggered the ascension of Guru Gobind Singh , the tenth Guru of Sikhism, who subsequently inaugurated the Khalsa on Vaisakhi of 1699. The increased persecution of Sikhs by Mughal authorities followed a period of increasing strength of the Sikh movement in the Malwa region of Punjab during the period of Guru Tegh Bahadur, which would lead to his execution and
8976-463: The original/inaugural group of Panj Piare as already named in the article. Guru Gobind Rai was 33 years old when he had divine inspiration to actuate his designs and make an undying legacy. Every year at the time of Baisakhi (springtime), thousands of devotees would come to Anandpur to pay their obeisance and seek the Guru's blessings. In early 1699, months before Baisakhi Day, Guru Gobind Rai sent special edicts to congregants far and wide that year
9078-564: The pressure of those who want a puritanical version of Islam to be practiced in the name of religion than anything else". Unlike the Indian state of Punjab that recognizes the Vaisakhi Sikh festival as an official holiday, the festival is not an official holiday in Punjab or Sindh provinces of Pakistan as Sikhs constitute a very small number in terms of population. In the Province of British Columbia , large, local Sikh communities in
9180-450: The resulting foundation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh, to defend religious freedoms. This gave Vaisakhi the added dimension of being observed as a celebration of the formation of the Khalsa, and is also known as Khalsa Sirjana Divas or Khalsa Sajna Divas. The Birth of the Khalsa Panth was on 30 March 1699. Later, Ranjit Singh was proclaimed as Maharaja of the Sikh Empire on 12 April 1801 (to coincide with Vaisakhi), creating
9282-489: The revolutionary idea of replacing nobility of blood with one of virtue and honesty, and thereby calling for administrative appointments to be based solely on merit. This system allowed anyone who passed an examination to become a government officer, a position that would bring wealth and honor to the whole family. In part due to Chinese influence, the first European civil service did not originate in Europe, but rather in India by
9384-405: The short (1960 onward) and long term (2020 onward). The essay was based upon the tendency of the then-current governments, in their striving toward intelligence, to ignore shortcomings and upon the failure of education systems to utilize correctly the gifted and talented members within their societies. Young's fictional narrator explains that, on the one hand, the greatest contributor to society
9486-424: The shrine of Bairagi Baba Ram Thaman, a Vaisakhi fair was held annually since 16th century CE which was attended by around 60,000 Hindu pilgrims and Bairagi saints from all over India used to throng the shrine. The 1961 Muzaffargarh District Census Report claims that Vaisakhi is associated with bullock racing and is a common festivity among the cultivators. Vaisakhi is celebrated as Nepalese New Year because it
9588-490: The states of West Bengal , Tripura , Jharkhand and Assam ( Barak Valley ) by Bengali Hindus . Some historians attribute the Bengali calendar to the 7th-century king Shashanka . The term Bangabda (Bangla year) is found too in two Shiva temples many centuries older than Akbar era, suggesting that Bengali calendar existed before Akbar's time. Various dynasties whose territories extended into Bengal , prior to
9690-400: The surname Kaur (Princess). With the distinct Khalsa identity and consciousness of purity Guru Gobind Singh gave all Sikhs the opportunity to live lives of courage, sacrifice, and equality. The birth of the Khalsa is celebrated by Sikhs every Baisakhi Day on April 13. Baisakhi 1999 marks the 300th anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh's gift of Panth Khalsa to all Sikhs everywhere. After
9792-405: The term had distinctly negative connotations as Young questioned both the legitimacy of the selection process used to become a member of this elite and the outcomes of being ruled by such a narrowly defined group. The essay, written in the first person by a fictional historical narrator in 2034, interweaves history from the politics of pre- and post-war Britain with those of fictional future events in
9894-1057: The world for pilgrimage, observe Vaisakhi in Western Punjab (Pakistan) with festivities centered on the Panja Sahib complex in Hasan Abdal , Gurudwaras in Nankana Sahib , and in various historical sites in Lahore . According to Aziz-ud-din Ahmed, Lahore used to have Baisakhi Mela after the harvesting of the wheat crop in April. However, adds Ahmed, the city started losing its cultural vibrancy in 1970s after Zia-ul-Haq came to power, and in recent years "the Pakistan Muslim League (N) government in Punjab banned kite flying through an official edict more under
9996-478: Was also of devşirme background. It is reported by Madeline Zilfi that European visitors of the time commented "In making appointments, Sultan pays no regard to any pretensions on the score of wealth or rank. It is by merits that man rise.. Among the Turks, honours, high posts and Judgeships are rewards of great ability and good service." Safavid Persian society was also a meritocracy where officials were appointed on
10098-534: Was also used by Hannah Arendt in her essay "Crisis in Education", which was written in 1958 and refers to the use of meritocracy in the English educational system. She too uses the term pejoratively. It was not until 1972 that Daniel Bell used the term positively. M. Young's formula to describe meritocracy is: m = IQ + E. The formula of L. Ieva instead is: m = f (IQ, Cut, ex) + E. That is, for Young, meritocracy
10200-441: Was one Khatri, shopkeeper; one jat, farmer one Chhimba, calico printer/tailor; one jheewar, one kumhar, water-carrier; and one Nai, a barber. Further the five were from distant regions - lahore, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Karnataka odisha.. He gave the surname of Singh (Lion) to every Sikh and also took the name for himself. From Gobind Rai he became Guru Gobind Singh. He also pronounced that all Sikh women embody royalty, and gave them
10302-626: Was the British Empire , in their administration of India: "company managers hired and promoted employees based on competitive examinations in order to prevent corruption and favoritism". British colonial administrators advocated the spread of the system to the rest of the Commonwealth , the most "persistent" of which was Thomas Taylor Meadows, Britain's consul in Guangzhou , China . Meadows successfully argued in his Desultory Notes on
10404-406: Was then followed by Rai Chand Multani, Gurbakhsh Rai, Pandit Kirpa Ram Dutt of Mattan, Subeg Chand, Gurmukh Das, Sanmukh Das, Amrik Chand, Purohit Daya Ram, Ratna, Gani Das, Lal Chand Peshauria, Rup Chand, Sodhi Dip Chand, Nand Chand, Nanu Rai of Diwali, and Hazari, Bhandari and Darbari of Sirhind . As many as 80,000 men are said to have been baptized in the first few days after Vaisakhi 1699. Since
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