Vaisakhi is another name for Baisakhi. The northern Indian state of Punjab celebrates this important harvest festival. The Sikh community puts on a grand celebration of this event. People celebrates it widely and it has significant religious, cultural, and historical significance. Baisakhi is on on April 13, 2024 this year.
For members of the Sikh community, Baisakhi is a very important religious and historical holiday. They rejoice and celebrate this holiday with great delight. The event is with several customs and rituals that date back to the Punjabi New Year. Also, the beginning of the harvest season.
Baisakhi is a celebration of the harvest, fresh starts. Moreover Punjab’s rich cultural legacy and the Sikh community. This is the season to thank Gurus, and to look for blessings. Furthermore, to celebrate the spirit of prosperity and community. The event stands for the virtues of thankfulness, togetherness, and the delight of plenty.
WHY DO WE CELEBRATE BAISAKHI?
Baisakhi is a harvest festival in Punjab, marking the start of the new agricultural year. Farmers express gratitude for the harvest and pray for future prosperity. Furthermore Hindus associates Baisakhi with the Vaisakha festival, celebrates as the solar new year. Whereas It involves bathing in sacred rivers, worship. And also and community fairs, with mythological beliefs about Goddess Ganga’s defection to Earth.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji initiated the ‘Amrit Chakhna’ ritual at Anandpur Sahib. Thus, involving five devout Sikhs, promoting righteousness, equality. Furthermore defense of the oppressed. The Sikhs celebrates Baisakhi festival. Guru Amar Das chose to celebrate. In 1699, Mughal invaders beheaded Guru Teg Bahadur publicly for opposing the Mughals . And protecting Hindu and Sikh cultural identity. Guru Gobind Rai, his son, rallied the Sikhs and inspired them. Giving the title of Singh or lion, becoming Guru Gobind Singh.
And the five Ks of Sikhism were replaced with the Granth Sahib. The festival of Baisakhi commemorates the coronation of Guru Gobind Singh. Also the foundation of the Khalsa Panth. Baisakhi is also significant as the day of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in 1919. However this marked the beginning of the Indian freedom struggle.
RITUALS AND BAISAKHI CELEBRATIONS
Sikhs visit Gurudwaras early in the morning to take part in a communal prayer. It is customary to wash the Granth Sahib with milk. Moreover there are sweets for everyone in attendance. It is throughout the afternoon when Sikhs parade the Granth Sahib.
The customs look upon Vaisakhi in 2024 are: – The sword, the Kirpan
The uncut hair, the Kesh
The steel ring, the Kara
The comb, the Kangha
The katchera are among its emblems.
In Haryana and Punjab people celebrates the Vaisakhi festival . People dance, sing, and wear new clothes. Men and women perform the Bhangra form and Gidda form respectively. Sikhs carry processions and celebrate with fanaticism. They wake up early, take a bath, wear new clothes. They visit a nearest gurudwara for prayers. after the common prayer volunteers distributes Kada prasad and serve Langar. The festival is also celebrated in schools, colleges, and fields, with decorated gurudwaras hosting Kirtanas. Although the same celebrations are expected in 2024.
MORE ABOUT DRESS, FOOD AND TRADITION
Baisakhi is a vibrant festival in Punjab and Haryana. The festival is celebrated with traditional folk dances, vibrant clothing, and festive foods. Moreover It symbolizes joy, reflection, and renewal and commemorates historical events. Thus, Marking the start of a new year and showcasing cultural heritage.
Vaisakhi is considered a celebration of the new spring in Punjab, where men and women wear vibrant attire reflecting happiness. Moreover Men wear traditional Punjabi attire like a turban, kurta, waistcoat, Rumaal, and lungi. And women wear Salwar Kameez with festive jewelry, reflecting the vibrant Punjabi way of living.
Baisakhi fairs feature multiple food stalls offering Punjabi cuisine. Besides it includes Chhole Bature, Achari mutton, Chicken Saagwala, Sarson ka saag, and Kadhi rice. Furthermore dry fruit kheer, and lassi, showcase the people’s love for food.
Baisakhi celebrates traditional Bhangra and Gidda dances, drum beats, and colorful costumes, with fairs. Thus acrobatic performances, bring joy and happiness to all.
