Khalsa (, , "To be pure, to be clear, to be free from") refers to both a community that considers Sikhism as its faith, as well as a special group of initiated Sikhs. The "Khalsa" tradition was initiated in 1699 by the Tenth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Its formation was a key event in the history of Sikhism. The founding of Khalsa is celebrated by Sikhs during the festival of Vaisakhi. The word Khalsa is also used in name in place of Caste.