Sikhs in Los Angeles, California celebrated Vaisakhi today with their annual Nagar Kirtan through downtown Los Angeles, led by the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones), representing the first five Sikhs who were initiated into the Khalsa order by Guru Gobind Singh at this time in 1699.

The institution of the Panj Pyare – a council of five ordained Khalsa Sikhs – permeates Sikh practices and significant events.