Hours before the all -time Christians of Greece welcome the Resurrection, in Taurus, on Good Saturday, a different celebration was set, as the Indians gathered in their central temple (Gourdvara) to celebrate Visakhi.

The celebration begins with the faithful visiting the temples devoted, taking off their shoes and covering their heads. There they prayed and festive meals. Subsequently, hundreds of Sikh, young and old, formed a large, colorful procession (called Nagar Kitan) that moved to the surrounding streets, with a festive and traditional dances (Bangra). Visakhi marks the beginning of the new solar year – as some is also honored as a “New Year” – and of the harvest period, but for the deep religious Sikh is much more important, as it is the anniversary of the establishment of their religion.

The roots of the feast go back to 1699 when Guru Gobid Singh – the tenth and last living gurus – founded Hallsa, a spiritual brotherhood that defined the identity and discipline of Sikhs. That day, he called on those who are ready to sacrifice for their faith to come forward. Five volunteers appeared, who eventually did not sacrifice and became the “Five Favorites” (Pantz Piery), who symbolize dedication, courage and equality. More than a religious holiday, Visakhi is a reminder of the identity, unity and ideals that support the Sikh community.