Why in News? 

Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti 2025 marked the 358th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji on January 6th, 2025, according to the Nanakshahi Calendar. 

Guru Gobind Singh 

 About Guru Gobind Singh 

Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last Sikh Guru, was born on December 22, 1666, in Patna, Bihar. He became the Sikh Guru at the age of nine after the death of his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur. He was assassinated in 1708. 

Contributions 

• Religious: Guru Gobind Singh introduced the turban to cover hair and founded the Khalsa, based on the Five K’s: kesh (uncut hair), kanga (comb), kara (bracelet), kirpan (dagger), and kachera (breeches). He also established guidelines for Khalsa warriors, including abstaining from tobacco, alcohol, and halal meat, and protecting the innocent. He declared Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru for Sikhs. 
• Martial: Guru Gobind Singh fought the Mughals in the Battle of Muktsar in 1705 and lost his mother and two sons in the Battle of Anandpur in 1704. His eldest son died in battle as well. 
• Literary: His works include the Jaap Sahib, Benti Chaupai, Amrit Savaiye, and the ZafarNama, a letter to Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.