George Town (Malaysia), Apr 13 : Sikhs living in Malaysia celebrated Baisakhi (New Year) at the Wadda Gurdwara Sahib.

Baisakhi is one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar, celebrated in April every year.

The temple started celebrations a day early this year to enable those who were occupied with work or other commitments on the actual day to perform their prayers, The Star reported.

The celebration commemorates the auspicious Khalsa Sajnaa Divas - the historic event when the 10th and last guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh, introduced a new baptismal rite for the community members.

"Those who take the initiation must live a strong, disciplined life, according to the will of God, and protect the weak or oppressed," said Penang Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Association (PWGSA) secretary Suaran Singh.

In conjunction with the festivities, the temple ran a blood donation drive and free health checks and screening for HIV as well as diabetes.

Temple high priest Giani Gulshan Singh was among the many who donated blood during the drive.

"On auspicious occasions such as this, it's good to do something charitable for the sake of humanity," Suaran Singh said.

Vegetarian food will also be provided free to everyone throughout the three-day festivities. (ANI)